THE LONG BEACH RECREATION DOG PARK ASSN.
Summary of BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING: Oct. 5, 2000

Old Business

1. The committee overseeing the rewrite of the association's bylaws did not meet last month but will in the next few weeks. The board wants to have a new set of bylaws ready for membership vote by the first quarterly meeting of next year.

2. To answer questions what papers the association must file for Tax Year 2000, Miriam Yarden said she contacted the State Franchise Tax Board and the IRS and was told to call them back next spring. She told the board that to the best of her knowledge, the association has complied with both agencies' filing requirements.

3. Jim Knutson reported that the Department of Parks and Recreation is still getting public opinion about the proposed city code changes pertaining to the Dog Park. The dog walkers and their clientele are still responding to the proposals.

4. Jim Knutson reported that work on the new small-dog park has not begun because the city didn't have the funds in September to do the work. The Department of Parks and Recreation is awaiting new funds in October to do the work.

5. Jim Knutson said that he offered an invitation to the Department of Parks and Recreation for one of its representatives to sit in on the association's board meetings but officials "didn't seem that impressed" with the idea of attending.

6. The board agreed to participate in the Friends of the Long Beach Animal Shelter's Walk for the Animals fundraiser, Nov. 5 at Rainbow Lagoon Park. MOTION by Ms. Shamitz, second by Mr. Walters to donate vouchers for four $25 squares on the association's Pet Promenade as prizes in the Friends' fundraiser. Approved, 5-0. Miriam Yarden will handle the paperwork. The Friends will supply flyers, envelopes and stamps to the association to have announcements mailed to members.

New Business

1. After considerable discussion, the board agreed that the agenda for the open quarterly meeting will include an update on the park's sprinkler, groundcover and small-dog park projects, a status report on the proposed changes in city ordinances pertaining to the dog park. Those attending will also be informed that a new set of bylaws will be ready for their vote at the following quarterly meeting in January. Under the current bylaws, anyone who wants to vote on the issue may register with the secretary as a member of the association; no registration deadline was noted. Jim Walters will prepare flyers announcing the quarterly meeting and Gerry Facon agreed to get them mailed.


2. In maintenance matters, Jim Knutson reported talked with Gil Moxley of the Department of Parks and Recreation about several matters:

Sprinklers: Those in the southeast quadrant weren't rotating. Efforts by volunteers Fred Nicas, Hector Sanchez and Mr. Knutson - with the city's permission -- corrected the problem. The additional installation of a shutoff valve on each sprinkler allows them to run two at a time, with greater water pressure and increased coverage. The valves ($210) at were paid for by donations.
Gates: The top hinge of the exterior west gate remains broken; interior post of the west gate is rusting through at the bottom. Mr. Moxley will see if both matters can be fixed at the same time the new small-dog park is fenced. It was agreed that the board would wait to see what the city would do before contacting Lee's Fencing about repairs. Joan Shamitz agreed to call Mr. Moxley about the lose pin in the gate hinge.
Locks: Maintenance crews have repeatedly left locks on the gates when they are done with their work. Mr. Moxley said he would look into the problem.

3. Miriam Yarden gave Jim Walters the names of three new members who joined in September. This brings the association's 2000 membership total to 96. Mr. Walters will mail out welcome letters to the above new members. He also agreed to meet with member Lillian Estrada about creating a welcome package for new members and report back to the board. Ms. Estrada has expressed interest in this area.

4. Miriam Yarden announced that, with three additional donations, the association has enough funds to purchase $1,800 worth of additional decomposed granite ground cover. The 30 tons are scheduled to be dropped off in October and will get to the halfway point in the park. Board members said that they have been extremely pleased with the work of the city in installing the granite. While it was expected that the park would have to be closed for the work crews, the city fenced off its working area and then, before leaving for the day, opened a section of the fence so that evening users of the park could use the entire exercise area.

5. Member Karen Embry has told the board that she will host a Jan. 6, 2001, yard sale at her home in Seal Beach, with proceeds going for more ground cover. The last sale, at Jim Knutson's home in Long Beach, netted $1,184.

6. Jim Walters asked board members for assistance in providing content for the association's Web site. Joan Shamitz and Miriam Yarden said they would look for pictures from the park's early days and Ms. Yarden agreed to write a short history of the association. Board members were also asked to provide a picture of themselves and their pets. Mr. Walters said he would like to have the site up by year's end.

--JIM WALTERS, Secretary, Oct. 10, 2000