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UPTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
July 20, 1989
2:30 P.M.
Location: Water Department Conference Room
The meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Uptown
Redevelopment Project Area was called to order by Chairman Larry Willson
at 2:40 p.m., in the Water Department Conference Room in the City Hall,
300 North "0" Street, San Bernardino, California.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT
(Sub Area -A-)
Manuel Acosta
Larry W. Ammons
Or./Mrs. Robert Krone
Scott Scheibe
Larry R. Willson
Mari a McNulty*
Cas Sermak
(Sub Area -B-)
Harry Holmes
Alan Vivian
STAFF PRESENT
Jill Hammer, Transcribing Secretary - ROA
Gary Wagoner, Project Manager - RDA
GUEST PRESENT
Frederick Curlin, M.D.
* Excused'Absence
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Roll Call
Roll call was taken by the transcribing secretary.
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c::> Approval of Minutes of May 25. 1989
FORM MOTION: That the Minutes of the Meeting of May 25, 1989 be
approved as submitted.
Moved by: Harry Holmes
The motion was carried unanimously.
Seconded by: Dr. Robert Krone
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Welcome to Frederick Curlin. M.D.
Mr. Willson introduced Dr. Frederick Curlin to the members of the
Committee. Dr. Curlin became acquainted with the existence of the
Committee when he completed the property owner survey last fall.
Dr. Curlin stated he opened the Baseline Medical Clinic approximately 9
years ago at its present location. He explained to the Committee the
growth spurts that the organization has sustained in the last nine
years. Dr. Curlin stated he presently employs a staff of 8-9 people at
the Baseline Medical Clinic. Dr. Curlin also shared that he works
part-time in the field of pSYChiatry as well. '
Dr. Curlin stated that his residence at the present time is in the city
of Long Beach; but he anticipates moving to Highland within 3 weeks.
Mr. Willson asked if Dr. Curlin was interested in serving on the Uptown
Citizens Advisory Committee. Dr. Curlin responded affirmatively. Mr.
Willson continued asking if Dr. Curlin felt that he could contribute the
meeting time each month for this purpose. Dr. Curlin again responded
affirmatively.
E Street Corridor Aesthetic Improvements
Mr. Wagoner reported that ROA staff is researching the possibility of
funding the improvements desired for the used car lots on "E" Street with
a sales tax rebate.
Mr. Wagoner stated that he would like to meet with Committee member Scott
Scheibe to see if accurate projections for increased sales could be
calculated.
Mr. Willson asked if the desired data would reflect the sales tax revenue
generated in the project area or just in the speCific area in question.
Mr. Wagoner responded that the sales tax data being sought would only
reflect the sales tax generated in the area where the car lots are
located.
Mr. Wagoner cautioned that the City has never rebated sales tax before.
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Mr. Willson asked if there was an estimate calculated for the desired
improvements to the "E" Street corridor. Mr. Wagoner responded that a
decision on what specific type of improvements would be suitable for the
area has not been made; and, therefore. an accurate financial projection
is not possible at the present time.
Sub Area "B" Proposal for a Produce Market
Mr. Wagoner reported that the firm of Keyser Marston was retained to do a
development feasibility study of the block at Ria1to and "1" Streets.
The study revealed that it would cost the Agency about $1.3 million to
develop the Ria1to and "I" Street block. In effect, Mr. Wagoner stated
that the area itself cannot be developed as yet in an economically
feasible manner without some type of Agency assistance..
Mr. Holmes asked for a copy of the study for Rialto and "I" Streets.
Mr. Holmes wondered if Keyser Marston had considered the possibility of a
joint venture between a developer and the property owners in the area.
Mr. Wagoner stated he was uncertain of the later comment. but he stated
he would ask Mr. Oukett if the study could be released for public
perusal.
Mr. Wagoner advised the Committee that Agency staff discussed the idea of
a produce market for that area. Mr. Wagoner reported that one of the
members of the staff has some background in the produce industry. That
type of usage he felt would not be successful in that area because many
grocery chains now employ their own produce distribution centers.
Mr. Wagoner also stated that with the recent adoption of the City's new
General Plan the area is zoned Industrial-Light. A produce market in
that area would also not be consistent with the present zoning.
Update on Auto-Related Businesses General Plan Zoning Designation
Mr. Wagoner reported that the used car lots are currently zoned CG-1 and
CG-2. Mr. Wagoner stated that he would research what the final zoning
determination was for other auto-related businesses.
Report from the Uptown Community Rehab Meeting (Baseline Merchants)
Mr. Willson reported that on June 27, 1989 a group of Baseline merchants
met to discuss mutual problems in the area where their businesses are
located. The problem of prime importance to those merchants is the rise
of crime in the area, i.e., vagrancy, graffiti, prostitution, open drug
dealing, lack of maintenance to selected areas, etc.
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Although the meeting was not intended to discuss the above problems in
relation to the fact that the businesses are located in a redevelopment
project area, ROA staff were present and available for any appropriate
questions that were asked. Mr. Willson noted that Councilman Jack Reilly
was also present.
Mr. Willson stated that the sUbjects discussed at this meeting prompted
him to contact Lt. Devlin and invite him to attend our next regularly
scheduled meeting to report some of the recent Police activities in the
area.
Mr. Willson distributed copies of an article concerning the above meeting
entitled, "Mayor Urged to Terminate S.B. Downtown Crime." published by
The Sun on July 1, 1989 (filed).
MOTION: That the Uptown Citizens Advisory Committee wishes to urge the
Mayor and the City Council of the City of San Bernardino to
make crime prevention. crime reduction and criminal
apprehension the number one priority for the City.
Moved by: Sue Krone
The motion was carried unanimously.
Seconde~ by: Scott Scheibe
Dr. Krone stated that progress in all other areas of development for the
City hinge on a quality of life that begins with personal and work place
security.
Uptown CAC Membership Update
Mr. Willson asked about the current status of Jim Fi1arski's willingness
to serve on the Uptown CAC. Ms. Hammer reported that Mr. Fi1arski has
been sent the brief resume form whiCh. when completed. will initiate the
appointment process; but as yet, the form has not yet been returned.
Mr. Willson suggested that a determination toward membership for Mr. Jim
Fi1arski will be made at the next meeting, pending return of the
materials sent to him for application.
Mr. Willson spoke in favor of asking Dr. Frederick Curlin to serve as an
alternate Committee member.
MOTION: That Frederick Curlin, M.D. be recommended to serve on the
Uptown Citizens Advisory Committee as an alternate member to
represent Sub Area "A".
Moved by: Larry W. Ammons
The motion was carried unanimously.
Seconded by: Scott Scheibe
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Mr. Willson asked the status of the appointment process for James
Russell. Ms. Hammer reported that the Redevelopment Committee is
scheduled to approve the appointment this date; forthcoming Council
approval is scheduled for August 7. 1989.
Dr. Krone advised the Committee that he and Mrs. Krone will be in Germany
from August 21. 1989 until November 1, 1989 on a teaching assignment.
Mr. Willson asked if any of the letters to potential Sub Area "B"
representatives had brought any positive results. Ms. Hammer responed
negatively to this point. Ms. Hammer continued stating that more letters
will be sent in the near future.
FORM MOTION: That the Uptown Citizens Advisory Committee accept the
resignation of Oesi Nelson with regret.
Moved by: Harry Holmes
The motion was carried unanimously.
Seconded by: Scott Scheibe
Uptown CAC Annual Meeting - September. 1989
Ms. Hammer reported that in September the "Annual Meeting" as stated in
the Uptown CAC bylaws will be held. The RDA staff is planning to host a
dinner meeting for the Committee. At that time e1ection,of officers will
take place. Details will be forthcoming.
City of San Bernardino Police Department Presentation
Guest Speaker: Lt. Jerry Devlin
Mr. Willson introduced and welcomed Lt. Devlin to the Uptown Citizens
Advisory Committee meeting.
Lt. Devlin stated that in recent months factors that have contributed to
the crime in the downtown area have been the following:
(1) An increase in population due to parole and detention
,re1easees;
(2) Shortage of Police Department manpower;
(3) Presence of the Salvation Army attracts the transient
population;
(4) Inexpensive housing that is available in the downtown area.
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Lt. Devlin shared the following general information about the downtown
area:
. Statistically, the downtown area has experienced high
incidences of robbery in the last 5-7 months. Correspondingly. the
percentage of arrests has been higher as well.
. In a positive light, the telephone company has removed some of
the pay telephones that were located at the 7-11 market on Fifth and
"F" Streets. Lt. Devlin explained that pay phones are a crime
problem because people congregate around them. Prostitution and
drug deals are easily accomplished in the area of a pay phone.
Police personnel have more than doubled the number of citations
written during the last month in the areas where pay phones are
located. This is to discourage loitering.
. There are too many establishments located in the Baseline
corridor which sell hard liquor. The Police Department has tried to
Object to the approval of new liquor licenses being granted. Lt.
Devlin stated that census tract data reveals that the City of San
Bernardino has approximately 300% more liquor 1ice~ses than most
other areas of approximately the same size.
. Approximately 85% of crime problems in the City of San
Bernardino of any kind are drug-related.
. Bicycles and carts are some of the newer methods being employed
by Police officers to control crime.
. The City of San Bernardino is currently employing 1.3 Police
personnel per 1,000 people of population.
. In the downtown area 32% of the City's crime takes place;
however, calls for service are less than in the other areas.
. Approximately 70% of the real estate owned in the downtown area
is owned by absentee landlords. An active, effective Code
compliance program will help to encourage clean-up of the
non-compliant properties in the area. The previous Mayoria1
administration did much to strengthen the manpower allocated to Code
compliance responsibilities. Every indication is that the present
administration supports the importance of the Code compliance
activities.
The Police Department is now informing absentee landlords when
criminal activity has been cited on hiS/her property. Where drugs
are being openly bought/sold and proof is available that the land
owner is informed of such activity, the property can actually be
seized by the California Asset Forfeiture statute.
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. The City of San Bernardino is experiencing common problems for
a city of its size that is growing and also has a decaying inner
city.
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Questions and Answers
Dr. Krone asked if, given the fact that there is currently a shortage of
Police manpower, is it inevitable that the Uptown Project Area will
continue to deteriorate in regard to the quality of life that will be
offered there. Lt. Devlin stated that much effort has been expended to
alleviate the extreme Police manpower shortage. If the Mayor and Common
Council fund the 10 additional manpower positions that are currently
being requested. sworn personnel for the San Bernardino Police Department
will number at 243.
Mr. Willson asked about how many officers are out on parole at a given
time. Lt. Devlin stated that those numbers vary with the day and the
time in question. Officers are scheduled according to the times that the
Department receives the highest number of calls. That determination is
made by analyzing computer statistics of the type of calls received by
the Pol ice Department. .
Mr. Wagoner asked if officers are ever concentrated in a given area. Lt.
Devlin answered affirmatively.
Mr. Wagoner asked if gang-related crimes are a problem in the downtown
area. Lt. Devlin answered affirmatively. Approximately 60% of San
Bernardino's reported homicides are gang-related.
Mrs. Krone asked if the halfway houses for parol lees. alcoholics, etc.
could be alleviated in the area. Lt. Devlin stated that State law
mandates that paro11ees must return to the County where they were
convicted. The presence of half-way houses helps to enforce that mandate.
In response to a question concerning trends for the area, Lt. Devlin
stated that the last several years in San Bernardino have seen an
increase in street people, and he feels this will continue. A unique
fact that is occurring is that more families and females with children
are living on the streets. Lt. Devlin advised that the transient
population problem needs to be addressed as a community problem not a
problem that will be solved if the transient population is removed.
Mr. Willson asked what would be the results for the City of San
Bernardino if the Police manpower was doubled. Lt. Devlin stated that
doubling the Police force would make the Police personnel much more
visible; and correspondingly, more arrests would be made. More control
of the City's crime would be evident. Foot patrols would also be able to
implemented. Lt. Devlin cautioned that such a situation would also
produce some problems with impacted jails, courts, district attorney
offices and prisons.
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Dr. Curlin asked if the salaries given to the Police officers in the City
of San Bernardino are competitive for the profession. Lt. Devlin
responded affirmatively.
Mr. Willson asked how the authorized number of Police personnel versus
the actual number of working personnel are determined. Lt. Devlin
explained that the City of San Bernardino is authorized for 243 sworn
Police personnel plus unsworn positions. To date. the Mayor and Common
Council have only funded for 233 of those positions.
Given the grave crime situation in the Uptown Project Area, Mrs. Krone
asked what could be done by the Uptown Citizens Advisory Committee. Lt.
Devlin stated that the Committee can continue to apply pressure to its
concerns via the elected officials of the City.
The Committee expressed support for the Police Department and its desire
to see more money allocated for Police manpower.
Lt. Devlin closed his section of the meeting by stating that the
Committee members are always welcome to call him at the Police Community
Center and give suggestions regarding Police service to the area.
There being no further business, the meeting of July 20, 1989. was
adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
{~h.u....,''7n ,'-JJa J11..r.u:/J
~~11 M. Hammer
Transcribing Secretary
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