1/7/2015 -- Board Meeting Minutes

Post date: Mar 7, 2015 4:10:53 AM

Attending

From RONA: President Jean Marlowe, V. President Mike Bertram, Officer-At-Large: Marcelle Kube, various neighborhood members

From City of San José, Council District 4 Office: Council Assistant Asim Khan

Representing Lan Diep: Sonya Lu

AGENDA

1. Lan Diep is running for CC in Dist 4/kickoff this Sunday, January 11, 2015.

   • RONA would be interested in hosting a candidates’ forum. When the candidates’ applications are in, (last day for application - Jan 9th), we’ll know who is running.

2. RONA neighbor asks - Will there be a liaison w/school district regarding Agnews site?

   • Vlad is mentioned as a possible liaison.

   • It is decided to add the school status to regular RONA agenda.

   • They are going to start demolishing in August.

3. Stephanie Fong memo regarding the 2015 Pavement Maintenance Program. River Oaks is on the list for Bike Network Enhancement. Click link to download PDF document: 12-12-14DOT.PDF (93.1 KB)

   • Asim mentions that they have had people write in regarding improvements like sidewalk, pavers, etc. Mike mentions that DOT came out and did estimates and that there is a desire for the developers to pitch in too.

   • Big dips on Research are a concern. DOT needs to be asked to come out again and look at the roads. It is decided that a request will be made that money be set aside for Research as well, not just River Oaks Parkway.

4. Irvine has a plan to fix up and repair their damages to ROP in front of Apartment on both sides of ROP and redo the pavers in the intersection in a couple of months. Is that April? Are these pavers going to be what are existing?

   • Irvine has been repatching the holes on ROP in the short term. In April, there will be a permanent fix.

     • Regarding the pavers - The city does not want concrete with a pattern drawn in – it must be pavers. Irvine needs to understand it must be brick and not concrete. They think they will be done sometime in April.

   • RONA wants to see the design of the pavers.

   • RONA will request to know how long will this take and what’s the schedule.

5. We need to have crosswalk lights or something similar (flashing sign) to protect the pedestrian with children as they walk across the street at Research and ROP. Baring that the DOT needs to address the speeding issues on ROP.

   • Current issues with this intersection:

     • In order to see around the bend in ROP, cars on Research must inch forward until they are fully in the crosswalk.

     • There is no real island for pedestrians to pause and wait for cars, which is dangerous.

     • At night, there are many pedestrians and because of the curves in the road, trees covering light, it’s hard to see them.

     • DOT came out and did a study during Christmas time when traffic was low and said the numbers weren’t high enough to justify a crosswalk at Millbrook. It is pointed out that because of construction, it being Christmas time and because DOT was only there between 9-5, DOT is not getting accurate information. Much of our traffic (pedestrian and cars) is after 5pm, when it is dark and dangerous. There is a real need for some sort of flashing sign. If they are tearing up the pavers, that would be the best time to do it.

   • RONA asks Asim to ask about the crosswalks. There is going to be a school in a couple of years, so hopefully DOT can think ahead.

   • It is decided that a request will be made that money be set aside for Research as well, not just River

6. Need to talk with DOT regarding broken curbs in the medium by contractor’s trucks down by Zanker.

   • Also addressed - pot holes on ROP and Zanker.

7. We need a 4 way STOP Signs at the intersection of Research, Village Center Drive and Innovation.

   • A flashing sign here would be good as well. The school bus stop is currently at Research and Village Center Drive – an added need for stop signs in the area.

8. Essex park, when will be built?

   • Epic is 3-4 months until completion. So we are waiting for Essex to finish before the roadwork can begin. Asim has a presentation on this on his computer and will email it. The park needs to be done before the builders move out.

9. Margie Matthews to fill the vacant District 4 seat appointed by Mayor.

   • RONA would like to go in and introduce themselves to Margie once she is settled in. Jean mentions that they will soon be making decisions regarding transportation, commercial, budget and housing and feels RONA should make sure their voices are heard sooner rather than later.

   • Asim says that they are going to be having a meeting around the 20th (not open to the public) between will attend. New Chief Of Staff for Dist. 4 – Armando.

   • Vote April 7th, for the City Council Dist. 4. Runoff in June. Most likely will be a runoff, which means winner to take office in August.

   • Asim says you can sign up for the eNotice from district4@sanjoseca.gov

   • Neighbors concerned about the lack of commercial businesses in the area. Too much housing, not enough retail or jobs. Traffic is already a major issue and more housing will make it worse. As it stands now, Santa Clara and Milpitas get most our business, not San Jose. There is a growing lack of community with the influx of apartment only style building. RONA feels strongly about these issues and will fight to make sure the area is a diverse and thriving neighborhood, not just a place to sleep.

10. General Discussion

    • It is suggested that RONA reach out to the new complexes, (and old, like Elan) to get them involved, since this is an issue that affects them too.

    • RONA will try to send out notices of meetings 5 days in advance.

    • Next RONA meeting is 7:00pm, Wednesday night, February 4th, at Premier Pizza.

11. Adjournment