July 12, 2008 SADM Homeowners Association Meeting Minutes
There were 65 people who attended the meeting. President Al Rosen called the meeting to order at 10::05 am.
I. INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS — Al Rosen
· Al Rosen opened the meeting by welcoming all in attendance.
· The audience was questioned about the need for Spanish translations. No translations were required.
· Al reviewed the agenda and asked the audience to hold questions until the end of each presentation.
· Al also stipulated that a Q&A would be opened on general subjects at the end of the meeting.
· Al asked if any new residents were present. Two new couples responded.
II. FINANCIAL REPORT — Al Rosen
· The Second Quarter Financial Report was handed out
· Al explained the meaning of several categories within the report:
· Al explained expenditures in certain “line items:” security,pool repair, June and April utilities, rock wall on Morro St., Cancellation of Acta Constitutiva fees (Detailed explanations are included in Financial Report.)
· Based on 5 months of data, monthly expenditures are about $15,000.00 ((US)
III. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT — Dr. Martha Alvarez
· Cancellation of the Acta Constitutiva (Civil Association) filed with Notary Public and Public Registry.
· There have been several meetings with Delegado (sub-mayor of Tijuana) and employees of Public Works Dept. in Playas. During June two employees came to San Antonio and toured the community with Dr. Alvarez and Al Rosen. The following problems were observed and discussed: several construction sites that violate height restrictions, abandoned vehicles, grey water drainage on streets, and erosion at end of Toronado St.
Security
· There have been no house burglary or stolen car reports over the past three months.
· Several minor thefts and incidents of vandalism have occurred.
· Committee hopes to add third security person during the daylight hours. In the meantime, a security person will be added on Saturdays and Sundays, during the summer, who will concentrate on patrolling pool area.
· Guards now write down information about non-residents who enter the community as well as vehicle license plate numbers and brief description. The non-resident receives a copy and the original is filed in the caseta.
· Discussed the death of resident, Kenneth Stewart. Al Rosen related information from committee member, David Holt, who was not able to attend the meeting. David had been working with the police. According to the police, Mr. Stewart was killed in his house by a young man who had permission to be in the home, had been in the home on previous occasions and had been working for Mr. Stewart. The police had recovered Mr. Stewart’s laptop computer. The police had identified a firm suspect but had not yet located this suspect. There is no evidence that San Antonio’s guards acted negligently or could have done anything to prevent the incident. Al stressed that residents must be cautious about whom they allow into the security of their homes. Al asked that a moment of silence be observed in memory of Kenneth Stewart.
Maintenance
· We have repaired over 300 square meters of street with rock and concrete. Most of the repair cost was paid through the generous contributions of individual homeowners. Repairs have concentrated on serious potholes in the streets
· We have had many street lights repaired. This is paid for by the city, but we have to request it and pay some service fee.
· We have received the Engineer’s plan and estimate for the repair of Toronado St. The estimate is $40,000. (US). Dr. Alvarez emphasized that no money from our community will be used or requested until we have a firm commitment from the City about what they will do and how much money they will give to the project.
· The pump for the pool was repaired and a new pump purchased.
· Deteriorating power poles have been replaced.
· Sprinkler system installed in south park
· Electric service repaired and upgraded in south park and caseta.
· Painting-over graffiti accomplished at several sites.
· On-going weeding, trash pick-up and repairs accomplished by one employee and several part-time contract workers.
IV. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
1. USA Independence Fiesta — July 5
· About 150 people attended
· Gratitude expressed to Carol Farrell for organizing event, Larry Wall and Doug Johnson for providing dancers from Ballet Folklorico Aztlan, donations from Bob and Sylvia Dombrosky, Celia Roig, Alejandra Cital, Carlos Urrea. Free pizza for the workers provided by Fabrizio’s.
· About twohundred dollars made at the event. This amount will be put into special fund for future events.
· Agreement that event was a success.
· Next Fiesta will be on Mexican Independence Day — September 15 — at the pool, probably between 6 and 11 pm.
2. Committee Resignations
· Al announced that Carol Farrell and Ruth Bueno have resigned from the committee.
· Al thanked Carol for the years of work and dedication she has given to the community.
· Voting members now include 8 Committee members and the Administrator. A Quorum for a meeting is now set at 5.
3. Dogs
· Al described incident in which a resident and his dog were both attached by unleashed dogs. Incident aggravated the residents prior injury and the resident is still in the hospital.
· Walkers intimidated by unsecured dogs.
· Discussed owners responsibility to clean up after their dogs while walking them. Al asked for residents to save plastic bags and bag dispensers would be kept stocked. Resident, Jack Borgos, contributed $40.00 to purchase plastic bags.
· Al suggested that residents need to help enforce leash law. Need to confront offending residents. We will not receive enforcement from the city. Each resident must take responsibility for securing their dogs on their property and keeping them on leash when walking them.
4. Beach Clean-up
· Liz Walton informed the meeting that there will be a beach clean-up in September. She stated that she did not know the exact date, but the clean-up will involve communities from Playas to Ensenada.
· Liz recommended that this be a community volunteer event with a fiesta connected.
5. Alvero Alfaro
· Danny Mininni informed the meeting about Alvero’s (former office assistant for SADM) health problems and need for a $3,000 (US) medical operation. Danny sent out email to community and received donations totaling $2,800. Danny thanked the SADM for response and stated that Alvero medical condition has improved.
6. Website
· Al reminded the meeting about the community website: www.sanantoniodelmarbaja.com
· Al also reminded that that email communication was always available with the Committee at: sanantoniobaja@yahoo.com
7. Donations
· Al stated that the Association needed a business level copier. He also asked for donations of cement bags for street repairs.
V. QUESTIONS — ANSWERS — DISCUSSIONS
1. If we get more people to pay, can the amount of $60.00 (US) per month be reduced?
Al Rosen: Any reduction in fees would have to be in the future. Current income from residents allows for a minimum level of service. The committee would like to expand services to residents in the future and complete necessary maintenance projects. The current rate is sharply lower than any Homeowner fees required in this area of Baja.
2. Can we have different colored vehicle ID stickers for residents who do not pay?
Al Rosen: Since payment of homeowner dues is voluntary, the committee prefers to use persuasion and discussion with non-paying residents. There have been some exclusionary tactics implemented in the past, and they have only served to isolate and antagonize non-participants. We are focusing on encouraging people to contribute in any way they can to the community.
3. What can we do about trash at entrance to South Beach?
Dr. Alvarez: We are working with CESPT to repair pump station and we will increase trash cans in that area.
4. How can we remove trash from piling up at the south entrance?
Dr. Alvarez: The trash is in an area that SADM does not control. We will meet with the private businesses that use the buildings at entrance and ask that trash be stored in a sufficient number of secured trash cans.
5. What is happening with street repairs? How can we get streets repaired next to our house? How much does it cost?
Dr. Alvarez: Most major repairs are being financed by individual residents. Residents can coordinate with neighbors to have streets repaired in front and/or back of their houses. Cost for street repair is $22. (US) per square meter. The repairs funded by homeowner fees are going to repair potholes.
6. We used to have a large trash bin at the northeast end of the park. Can we replace the bin?
Dr. Alvarez: The problem we had with the large trash bin was that construction trash ended up in it and the bin was too large for the garbage trucks to pick up. In addition to the city trash pick-up, we have our workers pick up trash that is on the streets of San Antonio every day of the week.
7. How do we get ID stickers for our vehicles?
Al Rosen: Go to the Administrative Office at 294 Morro, you can pick up 2 for free. Additional stickers cost $5.00 (US)
8. What can we do about dogs roaming our community without leash or supervision? What can we do about dog excrement being left on streets, parks and private property?
There was a lengthy discussion about this problem. People recommended using pepper spray, bats, and cattle prods. One resident strongly stated that Mexico has a strict leash law. Enforcement by city officials, however, will be difficult if not impossible to obtain. Residents need to remind offending residents or visitors about their responsibility in this regard. Plastic bags for dog excrement will be stocked in the dispensers throughout the community. Please encourage dog owners to pick up after their dogs and to keep them on leashes.
9. We donated some large trash cans in order to collect trash from the middle beach. What happened to these?
Dr. Alvarez: These cans were too large and were removed. We will look into placing trash cans at this entrance.
10. Can we get signs posted prohibiting fireworks and requiring that dogs be on leash?
Al Rosen: We do have signs prohibiting fireworks. We will add signs about responsible dog ownership.
11. Is there a web site that gives accurate information about the crime in Baja, and in Rosarito in particular?
Al Rosen: Yes, from our website we have a section called “Useful links for living in the Baja” and you will find direct links to Sign On San Diego and also to the Rosarito Town Crier.
12. How can we keep cars off of our beaches?
Dr. Alvarez: We have told the guards to advise anyone coming in from outside the community that there are no cars allowed on the beach. Beaches in Mexico are public but access to those beaches may be private. If outside residences want to go to the beaches in front of our community, they need to park their cars outside the community. We will put the chain back up to block the roadway below the 600 block pool.
13. Who can we call about stranded animals on the beach?
Homeowner: You can call 060 and someone will respond.
Meeting Adjourned at 11:30 pm.
NEXT GENERAL HOMEOWNERS MEETING : SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2008.
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