Murdock Neighborhood Association General Meeting

October 24, 2007 at Lynbrook High School Library

The meeting was called to order by President Larry Murchan at 7:10pm

Welcome / Announcements

• [1] Larry: welcome and thank you to those attending [End of 1]
• [2] Treasurer not present for treasurer’s report (To Be Added) [End of 2]
• [3] For the election, you must be paid member to vote, there are two vacancies for second vice president and recording secretary, will accept nominations from the floor [End of 3]
• [4] Today’s Agenda
  • [4.1] Elections [End of 4.1]
  • [4.2] Guest Speaker: Al Muccia – Department of City Arborist [End of 4.2]
  • [4.3] Guest Speaker: Mike Gervais – AT&T U-verse Fiber Optic Network Rep [End of 4.3]
  • [4.4] Guest Speaker: Rosana Carrasco – SJPD Crime Prevention Group Rep [End of 4.4]
  • [4.5] Guest Speaker: Megan Romolinksi – District 1 Office Rep [End of 4.5]
  • [4.6] Adjournment scheduled for 9:00pm [End of 4.6]
  [End of 4]

Elections

• [1] Larry: Asks for nominations from the floor, no new nominations [End of 1]
• [2] Question for the floor addressed to Doris:
  • [2.1] Will Doris be able to maintain an unbiased position regarding the ongoing Tulip Tree Issue? [End of 2.1]
  • [2.2] Larry: One thing to remember is the MNA can not take a formal position on any issue with out member consent. [End of 2.2]
  • [2.3] Trixie (on behalf of Doris in her absence) – In the beginning Doris was trying to do everything possible to save them, if the trees are dead or are infested beyond recovery then they must go. Her goal is to get removed trees replaced efficiently and remedy this situation in the best way possible with minimal impact on the neighborhood. [End of 2.3]
  [End of 2]
• [3] Larry: motion to accept proposed slate of candidates as is. The floor approves the slate unanimously, The 2008 MNA Board is introduced:
  • [3.1] President: Doris Livezey [End of 3.1]
  • [3.2] First Vice President: Mori Mandis [End of 3.2]
  • [3.3] Second Vice President: Vacant [End of 3.3]
  • [3.4] Recording Secretary: Vacant [End of 3.4]
  • [3.5] Corresponding Secretary: Gabe Trejo [End of 3.5]
  • [3.6] Treasurer: Kathy Herington [End of 3.6]
  • [3.7] Parliamentarian: Harish Chinai [End of 3.7]
  [End of 3]

Al Muccia – City of San Jose Arborist Department Representative

• [1] Contact Information
  • [1.1] [address removed by Webmaster--use Contact Us and ask for address][End of 1.1]
  • [1.2] Office: 408-277-2762 [End of 1.2]
  [End of 1]
• [2] Al analyzes the trees in our neighborhood and marks dead trees with green triangles. He marks trees for removal requests with pink sheets [End of 2]
• [3] The tulip scale started in Willow Glen in the 1980s, by 2002 most of the tulips had been removed in the Willow area [End of 3]
• [4] Q: I have a tree that was posted and approved after protest hearings, the permit was supposed to be in the mail but I have not received it yet. When will I receive it?
  • [4.1] Permits should be received 10 days after the approval [End of 4.1]
  [End of 4]
• [5] Q: What is San Jose’s tree replacement policy?
  • [5.1] The ordinance of San Jose currently states every home has a tree in front, corner lots have 3 trees. This varies with utilities, power lines, cul de sacs, etc. [End of 5.1]
  [End of 5]
• [6] Q: Years ago, some houses cut trees down and never replanted them, how come they have not been forced to replant them?
  • [6.1] The department does not police people. In 2002, when Ralph Mize joined the department, he started issuing concurrent replacement permits for removing permits to enforce the replacement policy [End of 6.1]
  • [6.2] Some trees are removed illegally making them hard to monitor [End of 6.2]
  • [6.3] If you see someone topping a tree you can call the city arborist department to report them [End of 6.3]
  [End of 6]
• [7] Q: When do you mark the dead trees and remove them?
  • [7.1] Drives through the neighborhood are done regularly and the last survey was done approximately a week ago [End of 7.1]
  • [7.2] There are 7 trees in the MNA neighborhood considered dead and will be removed [End of 7.2]
  [End of 7]
• [8] C: Ralph has mentioned that as of march 31st 2008 the city will no longer remove dead trees, currently they remove the tree and the property owner is responsible for removing the stump.
  • [8.1] The staff is being cut back to a group of 6 because of the budget [End of 8.1]
  [End of 8]
• [9] Q: Should root barriers be buried during tree planting?
  • [9.1] They are not required anymore but they are encouraged [End of 9.1]
  [End of 9]
• [10] Q: Will people check to make sure the trees are being replaced?
  • [10.1] Yes [End of 10.1]
  [End of 10]
• [11] Q: Have you posted any more permit applications?
  • [11.1] Yes, dead trees and new applications [End of 11.1]
  [End of 11]
• [12] Q: What are the areas cut restrictions?
  • [12.1] About 20-25% per year [End of 12.1]
  • [12.2] the number of years of life left for diseased tulip trees could be counted on one hand [End of 12.2]
  • [12.3] There are 400 trees in the greater area [End of 12.3]
  [End of 12]
• [13] Q: If over the limit will the city still issue permits?
  • [13.1] The department is trying to meet those requests [End of 13.1]
  [End of 13]
• [14] Q: Are dead trees dangerous?
  • [14.1] Yes, falling limbs can damage property and create safety risks. Trees usually experience a growth spurt before they die. [End of 14.1]
  [End of 14]
• [15] Q: If there are dead and dangerous trees after March 31st, will they be removed?
  • [15.1] Yes, the homeowner will be billed for removal [End of 15.1]
  [End of 15]
• [16] Q: How do we get the sidewalk fixed?
  • [16.1] That falls under the sidewalk and curb department’s jurisdiction [End of 16.1]
  [End of 16]
• [17] Q: I bought house with a big tree on the property, how do I get it removed?
  • [17.1] If its larger than 56” in diameter you have to get a permit from the planning department [End of 17.1]
  [End of 17]

Mike Gervais – AT&T U-Verse Fiber Optic Network Representative

• [1] Contact Information
  • [1.1] [address removed by Webmaster--use Contact Us and ask for address][End of 1.1]
  • [1.2] Mobile: 925-548-9958 [End of 1.2]
  [End of 1]
• [2] Mike works in the home entertainment department spreading the word about new product launches
  • [2.1] Digital TV and internet bundled together over fiber optic network equals good quality and savings [End of 2.1]
  • [2.2] AT&T has been doing telephone services for 120 years now [End of 2.2]
  • [2.3] U-Verse is a TV and internet package bundle, you can get them separately [End of 2.3]
  • [2.4] It is not satellite, it is fiber optic cable in the ground [End of 2.4]
  • [2.5] AT&T also offers satellite programming for huge range of products [End of 2.5]
  • [2.6] Will be available afterwards for questions and pricing [End of 2.6]
  • [2.7] Packages start at 59 dollars a month
    • [2.7.1] 3 televisions included in free installation [End of 2.7.1]
    • [2.7.2] All boxes are HD ready, compatible with any TV [End of 2.7.2]
    • [2.7.3] No rentals fees [End of 2.7.3]
    • [2.7.4] 30 day money back guarantee [End of 2.7.4]
    • [2.7.5] No contract [End of 2.7.5]
    • [2.7.6] Month to month [End of 2.7.6]
    • [2.7.7] Record remotely [End of 2.7.7]
    • [2.7.8] Video on demand [End of 2.7.8]
    • [2.7.9] Picture in picture browsing transparency [End of 2.7.9]
    [End of 2.7]
  [End of 2]
• [3] Q: Currently receives 1080i resolution over air and it’s pretty good, what does U-Verse offer?
  • [3.1] The boxes are designed to deliver 1080p [End of 3.1]
  • [3.2] 100,000 homes have the service in June, now we have 115,000 homes on board [End of 3.2]
  [End of 3]
• [4] Q: How does it affect my satellite?
  • [4.1] Over 1200 channels on Dish network [End of 4.1]
  [End of 4]
• [5] Q: Is there a tier system for number of channels?
  • [5.1] Yes, each package corresponds to the number of channels received, there are increments of 100 from 100 to 400 [End of 5.1]
  [End of 5]
• [6] Q: We ordered the service and everything was disconnected and repaired only to find out that they were not in a serviceable area
  • [6.1] Will follow up afterwards [End of 6.1]
  • [6.2] AT&T is cautious with this launch to ensure the initial clients get the best service with no service calls [End of 6.2]
  • [6.3] If you are in a service area, but not in the safe performance zone then you may not get service yet [End of 6.3]
  [End of 6]
• [7] Q: We are scheduled to add the service next week if more people sign up is there a discount?
  • [7.1] Right now since there is no advertising the promotions are the best we are going to see [End of 7.1]
  • [7.2] Q: Will I run into any problems during the installation?
    • [7.2.1] If you do, give Mike a call [End of 7.2.1]
    [End of 7.2]
  [End of 7]
• [8] Q: Where has the underground service been installed?
  • [8.1] The groundwork was installed in 1995 throughout the Bay Area [End of 8.1]
  • [8.2] 500,000 service boxes in the bay, they light up when they are powered [End of 8.2]
  [End of 8]
• [9] Phone provided
  • [9.1] Fiber optic phone boxes have been installed next to the old copper boxes and they will connect you when requested. Technicians are gradually switching all boxes over. [End of 9.1]
  • [9.2] 10 Mbps internet to come next year sometime [End of 9.2]
  [End of 9]
• [10] Q: Are Current AT&T customers automatically upgraded to fiber optics?
  • [10.1] No, you have to connect it for now but they will be eventually switched, it may take a year for the service techs to get to your box [End of 10.1]
  [End of 10]
• [11] Q: Prorated billing for AT&T service has not been consistent, why?
  • [11.1] Billing transitions from different companies is usually the cause [End of 11.1]
  [End of 11]
• [12] Q: Do you offer DVR boxes?
  • [12.1] 4 of 5 plans with U-Verse come with one free DVR box and two non DVR boxes [End of 12.1]
  • [12.2] There are 4 streams that come in to your home and you can watch them any way [End of 12.2]
  [End of 12]
• [13] Q: SBC Global started installing the fiber optic network and pulled out leaving it unfinished, will this be completed?
  • [13.1] 80% of bay area is currently wired, the rest is in planning including unfinished areas [End of 13.1]
  [End of 13]
• [14] Q: How does the fiber box handle signal interference with existing boxes?
  • [14.1] They are able to be run over copper wire, a filter alleviates signal deviation eliminating it before it gets to the house [End of 14.1]
  [End of 14]
• [15] Q: is there anything MNA as a group can do to get the process moving faster?
  • [15.1] AT&T has done everything they can do at this point, the bottleneck is getting PG&E service to the box, it takes 3-6 months for them to design power and billing system for AT&T [End of 15.1]
  • [15.2] All raised number boxes are the U-Verse boxes the lit ones are powered [End of 15.2]
  [End of 15]
• [16] Q: What about phone lines, don’t they have to be powered at all times by law?
  • [16.1] There are backup batteries in place in case of an emergency or power outage [End of 16.1]
  [End of 16]

Rosana Carrasco - SJPD Crime Prevention Department Representative

• [1] Contact Information
  • [1.1] Office: 277-4133 [End of 1.1]
  [End of 1]

• [1] Crime Prevention department’s goal is to have everyone know their neighbors!
  • [1.1] When your away you need someone to watch out for suspicious activity, exchange phone numbers and names [End of 1.1]
  [End of 1]
• [2] The city of San Jose is so large there can not be an officer at the corner of every street [End of 2]
• [3] Crimes come in waves so we need to target harden homes [End of 3]
• [4] Each household that attends the meetings will get a sign to put on their window to deter burglary, you need a minimum of 10 households to hold a meeting [End of 4]
• [5] If 70% of your neighbors attend, a metal sign will be posted on the utility pole in your neighborhood [End of 5]
• [6] Smaller groups are more effective since it is easier to know your neighbors within that group [End of 6]
• [7] The meetings last about 2 hours
  • [7.1] First hour crime prevention tips, phone numbers, info [End of 7.1]
  • [7.2] Second hour a beat officer will be present if not on call [End of 7.2]
  • [7.3] Info on Beat districts and Area Districts [End of 7.3]
  • [7.4] Info on 911 Vs. 311 [End of 7.4]
  [End of 7]
• [8] Every 6 months there is a shift change for the beat officers [End of 8]
• [9] Q: How do you host an event?
  • [9.1] Hosts get in contact with department, they will need to have people RSVP [End of 9.1]
  • [9.2] The department provides flyers for distribution [End of 9.2]
  • [9.3] The meeting can be hosted in a home or at a school [End of 9.3]
  [End of 9]
• [10] Q: Some neighborhood watches have deteriorated; will they come out to areas that have had them in the past?
  • [10.1] No problem, you can also check www.sjpd.org for neighborhood alerts [End of 10.1]
  [End of 10]
• [11] Q: What defines a neighborhood?
  • [11.1] A street, a longer street would be best if cut into two sections [End of 11.1]
  • [11.2] We would only count how many people in your neighborhood you invite for the 70% requirement [End of 11.2]
  [End of 11]
• [12] Q: Are there any statistics to support watch effectiveness?
  • [12.1] No official stats, but there are specific examples [End of 12.1]
  [End of 12]
• [13] Q: Where can we find info on rates of home burglaries?
  • [13.1] Check the website, also check with your District Office [End of 13.1]
  • [13.2] In most cases things are left open, moving vans are used as getaway vehicles [End of 13.2]
  • [13.3] These are mainly opportunistic burglaries, do not leave personal items open to theft! [End of 13.3]
  [End of 13]
• [14] Q: Are there any reports of burglars entering through second story windows?
  • [14.1] Yes, all windows should be locked because there are trees and ladders that can be used to gain access [End of 14.1]
  [End of 14]
• [15] It can happen no matter where you live when there is an opportunity [End of 15]
• [16] C: The police say it is important for people to report suspicious activity because it gives them an excuse to interrogate people, its against the law for them to do it on their own [End of 16]
• [17] If you are a victim let your neighbors know so they can protect themselves [End of 17]
• [18] Q: How do we get street light bulbs replaced?
  • [18.1] Under Streets and lighting in the phone book there is a number and you can call the district office for more info [End of 18.1]
  [End of 18]
• [19] Q: what information is available on halfway houses for residents
  • [19.1] Each house has to have a permit, contact housing authority for the info on each house [End of 19.1]
  • [19.2] Each house must follow specific rules [End of 19.2]
  [End of 19]
• [20] Q: What about identity theft?
  • [20.1] Best idea is to shred your mail and through it away in the garbage [End of 20.1]
  [End of 20]
• [21] Be wary of people who check utilities, they must have a photo id, don’t be afraid to call the company
  • [21.1] Some burglars have been working in pairs to steal and distract residents [End of 21.1]
  • [21.2] The San Jose Water Company is educating people, and should be making appointments [End of 21.2]
  • [21.3] Every time an officer is dispatched that information stays in the system and can be accessed by the dispatchers [End of 21.3]
  • [21.4] Also be wary of door to door vendors [End of 21.4]
  [End of 21]
• [22] If anyone is interested in hosting a neighborhood watch meeting, please give 2-3 notice
  • [22.1] Kim Gattis is now our area representative for Neighborhood Watch [End of 22.1]
  [End of 22]
• [23] Q: Could we get a couple watches together for one meeting in the interest of time?
  • [23.1] Kim would be the best at answering that question [End of 23.1]
  [End of 23]
• [24] Remember police districts and council districts are different [End of 24]
• [25] Q: Are you able to host at a house?
  • [25.1] Yes as long as it is indoors [End of 25.1]
  • [25.2] People must RSVP [End of 25.2]
  [End of 25]
• [26] C: It’s best to remind people before the meetings since it is easy to forget [End of 26]
• [27] C: Murdock park was a distribution center for a group of burglars but it has since then been stopped [End of 27]
• [28] Another tip is to track your valuable items by serial numbers and model numbers, and take pictures [End of 28]
• [29] Q: What about engraving your info on items? What information should be engraved?
  • [29.1] License number or ID numbers would help identify the owner best [End of 29.1]
  [End of 29]
• [30] C: Libraries have engravers to check out for marking your items; you may also pick up stickers to place on your windows to further deter burglaries. [End of 30]

Meghan Revolinsky – Assistant for Pete Constant’s Office

• [1] Contact Info
  • [1.1] meghan.revolinsky@sanjoseca.gov[End of 1.1]
  • [1.2] Office: 408.535.4914 [End of 1.2]
  [End of 1]

• [1] Crystal Morrow is no longer with Pete’s Office, Meghan will be taking over [End of 1]
• [2] There are magnets with district phone numbers to pass out [End of 2]
• [3] San Jose beautification grants are available for public use, Debbie Taylor is the person to contact for more information on this [End of 3]
• [4] Difference between 311 and 911
  • [4.1] 911 is act in progress, 311 is suspicious activity [End of 4.1]
  • [4.2] When in doubt call 911 [End of 4.2]
  [End of 4]
• [5] Upcoming Meetings
  • [5.1] Traffic Calming Meeting with Pete Constant’s Office
    • [5.1.1] October 30th 7:00pm-8:00pm [End of 5.1.1]
    • [5.1.2] Cypress Community Center [End of 5.1.2]
    [End of 5.1]
  • [5.2] Pete Constant’s has community office hours
    • [5.2.1] Cypress Community Center [End of 5.2.1]
    • [5.2.2] 6:30pm-8pm the first Wednesday of every month [End of 5.2.2]
    • [5.2.3] 10:30pm-11:00am the third Thursday of every month [End of 5.2.3]
    [End of 5.2]
  • [5.3] United Neighborhoods of Santa Clara Conference
    • [5.3.1] November 17th [End of 5.3.1]
    • [5.3.2] MNA will be represented at the meeting [End of 5.3.2]
    • [5.3.3] Get applications in by November 6th [End of 5.3.3]
    • [5.3.4] Class requirement to qualify for grants, this conference satisfies that requirement [End of 5.3.4]
    • [5.3.5] Pete will pay these fees for our two representatives [End of 5.3.5]
    [End of 5.3]
  [End of 5]
• [6] Ongoing debate regarding Library data filtering
  • [6.1] Currently anyone can log on to library computers and view pornography [End of 6.1]
  • [6.2] Pete constant’s position is to get filters in place for the libraries to protect children and underage teenagers from accessing pornographic material [End of 6.2]
  • [6.3] Trixie offered her comments:
    • [6.3.1] She was against the installation of filters in the city libraries 10 years ago as our councilperson, and she still is. [End of 6.3.1]
    • [6.3.2] The filter programs were not satisfactory 10 years ago, and pornographers can probably still hack them. She believes the cost to update the programs could be expensive [End of 6.3.2]
    • [6.3.3] Some libraries have separate children rooms with dedicated computers and so porn could not be viewed there. Also some libraries have entrances directing children away from the separate adult entrance. [End of 6.3.3]
    • [6.3.4] Libraries are for adults too [End of 6.3.4]
    [End of 6.3]
  • [6.4] Some opinions offered from the floor
    • [6.4.1] Libraries have separate children’s computer sections [End of 6.4.1]
    • [6.4.2] Libraries are for adults as well, they are not designed to censor material [End of 6.4.2]
    • [6.4.3] They can have people arrested for engaging in lewd behaviors [End of 6.4.3]
    • [6.4.4] The cases are so few it may not justify the heavy expenses heavy expenses [End of 6.4.4]
    • [6.4.5] This would turn over content access to corporations [End of 6.4.5]
    • [6.4.6] Libraries can be denied of federal funding for not having filters in place [End of 6.4.6]
    [End of 6.4]
  • [6.5] Any questions please contact Pete’s Office [End of 6.5]
  [End of 6]

Open forum

• [1] West Valley Library Book Sale
  • [1.1] November 17th 9:00am-2:00pm (9:00am-10:00am for members only) [End of 1.1]
  • [1.2] You can get a whole grocery bag for $2! [End of 1.2]
  [End of 1]
• [2] Larry: Who would you like to see at the next meeting as a guest speaker?
  • [2.1] PG&E Grid Engineer for Power Outages [End of 2.1]
  [End of 2]
• [3] Two board positions are still open [End of 3]

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm

Respectfully submitted,
Gabe Trejo, Corresponding Secretary