AVILA VALLEY ADVISORY COUNCIL

 

MINUTES MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2010

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Lynn Walter. A quorum was established by the attendance of: Ted Ivarie, Jan Taylor, Lynn Walter, Anne M. Brown, Boyd Horne, Bob Pusanik, Bill Tickell, Jayne Morton, Julia Hartzell, Karin Argano, John Salisbury, Sherri Danoff, Ken Thompson, and Lisa Newton. Excused were: Steve Johnson and John Schug.

Public Comment: Terry Taylor expressed concerns re: the extension of Mr. Rick’s onto the Promenade in Avila. Chair Lynn will contact Parks and Rec Director Black re: legal limits of the lease; instruction of Mr. Rick’s staff is encouraged.

Boyd Horne reported his attendance at the “Community Advisory Council Chairs Meeting” on June 11th in place of Chair Lynn. Updates on County issues were presented, and chairs were asked to help solve each others’ prob-lems.

Treasurer’s Report: Jan Taylor reports the same bank balance: $607.88.

Minutes: Minutes of the May 10th meeting were approved as e.mailed.

County Reports:

           a. Sheriff: No report

           b. Planning: John Busselle from Planning requests review of the proposed “Residential Vacation Rentals” Ordinance in process. Anne as chair of the Avila sub-committee will convene a meeting with Mr. Busselle to discuss language and report to the July AVAC meeting.

           c. Public Works: Ryan Chapman reported on work in Avila: stop sign at Front and San Luis Streets; striping of streets. Ryan was complimented and applauded for his conscientious work in the AVAC area.

           d. Supervisor: Adam Hill reports budget hearings with adoption due next week. Chair Lynn expressed concern about legal implications of affordable housing mandates from the State, and the difficulty in meeting their goals.

Old Business:

           a. Wild Cherry Canyon: Kara Blakeslee reports that the American Land Conservancy has the “lease-hold” on the property and that the financing will be complete, with the final step being the approval by the State Public Works Board to fund the $6.9 million of state funds, and to accept the land for the State. She says “it all looks good’.

           b. High speed Boat Concession: Rob Mohle read a letter criticizing the lease, due to the noise, safety and degradation to wildlife along the coast.

“Wave Jammers” concession was granted a lease in March 2009, with a floating dock west of the First Pier. The lease was exempt from CEQA regulations. Now there are “high-speed” boats being used, being described as a “thrill-type” activity inconsistent with the above concerns.

Motion by Sherri, seconded by Jayne Morton that the AVAC chair write a letter to the Harbor District expressing concerns about this lease, and that when the lease is reviewed by the District in December, notification be early and wide-spread to the Avila Community. Unanimous vote.

Community Liaisons:

           a. ABA: Karin reports the next quarterly meeting will be in July.

           b. ABCA: Anne Brown reminds members of the Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 3rd at the Community Center. Tickets available for $5.00 each, ½ price of children and 5 tickets for $20.00. Please come!!!

           c. ABCF: Rick Cohen says all is good.

           d. Port San Luis: Steve McGrath reports dredging stopped due to equipment failure; cleanup of the boat storage area; lifeguard training is exceptional; 120th anniversary of the Lighthouse and kudos to the Lighthouse Keepers group who are restoring the structure and site.

           e. Diablo Canyon: John Shoals reports the renewal of the license continues; rate hearing meeting tomorrow at Meadow Park; a June 29th meeting with the NRC.

New Business:

           a. Traffic Problems on Memorial Day Weekend in Avila: Anne Brown opened the discussion by describing the problems: back-up of incoming traffic to Hwy 101; as much as a 45 minute delay in getting into Avila (for residents as well as concert-goers!!). Even the CalFire truck could not get through…which points up the safety issues with the road situation into and out of Avila. Audience participation corroborated these issues. After much discussion, it was agreed that a letter would be sent to our Supervisor with copies to: Avila Golf Course, CHP, CalFire, Sheriff, Planning and Building, and Public Works. A committee, chaired by Sherri with Boyd, Anne and Karin (by e.mail), will write a draft to be circulated to the Board for comments before adoption at the July 12th meeting.

Next meeting: July 12, 2010.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Anne M. Brown

 

Anne M. Brown, Secretary