| Grantville Action Group (GAG)
Meeting Minutes 7/5/2007 Meeting called to order at 6:33 P.M. President Peterson introduced himself and explained GAG’s mission & purpose, plus outlined redevelopment abuse. Also told group that Marti Emerald (and what transpired to make this happen) may come tonight and that she invited Alex Sachs, the Deputy City Attorney-Redevelopment Section, to speak to our group. Marti also invited Mike Aguirre. Also mention meeting with various attorneys about representation. Bartolotta & Frostrom in attendance. Deputy Attorney Sachs attended and was introduced and addressed group. He started by explaining his background, then covered a variety of topics of interest to GAG. Among them: how to start a planning group, mentioned NCPI, outlined 600-5 and 600-24 council policies related to planning groups, the Brown Act, getting officially recognized by the City Council, pros and cons of community plans, etc. He then addressed a variety of questions posed by those in attendance. Numerous questions about NCPI mainly focusing on conflict of interests (directors ties to the building industry) and those not a part of Grantville and Allied Gardens (Del Cerro & San Carlos) making decisions that impact us. D.A. Sachs outline complaint process. Also suggested it would be more expedient to work with NCPI and “smoozing” them since they are the recognized community group by the City Council. Also outline the areas NCPI covered. La Jolla group discussed-it almost losing it’s recognition by the City Council. Addressed NCPI by-laws update. John Pilch spoke up and outlined current status. Discussion in changes made to representation on NCPI and question regarding the motivation for these changes. General lack of trust expressed regarding NCPI and the City Council by GAG audience given the history of the Grantville situation. Also questions raised about the legality of the city and county making financial deals regarding Grantville. Update on the mobile home parks situations and the yellow postcard campaign. Dianne Jacobs still a strong supported of not settling the lawsuit. GAG urged to write letters. Group warned not to support “bogus” eminent domain reform. Will have petitions at next GAG meeting . Treasurer’s report-7/5/07 account balance $1,683.25 as of 7/5/07. Outlined expenses and donations for period 6/14-7/5, plus anticipated expenses. During open discussion various legal/financial questions raised. It was suggested by John Pilch that a complaint form be filed with the Grand Jury to investigate. Group also suggested contacting the media to follow the money and do behind the scenes/expose stories of the various controversial projects. Marti Emerald was in attendance and audience wanted to know if she was a District 7 candidate. Not at this time, but she is currently educating herself by researching the issues. Next meeting 8/2/07. Meeting adjourned 8:04 P.M. |