Community Dialog with Community Development Director Al Zelinka

Community Development Director Al Zelinka has updated his schedule for his "Community Dialogue" meetings.

These are a great way to find out what's going on, make suggestions, and get answers.  Bring your friends, family, and neighbors!

The next “dialogue” will be held from 8-9 a.m. Tuesday, March 27, at the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, 444 N. Harbor Blvd.

The schedule for the remaining “Community Dialogues” is as follows:

- May 8 – 6-7 p.m., Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave.

- June 28 – 6-7 p.m. Fullerton Main Library Conference Center, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave.

- July 24 – 8-9 a.m., Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, 444 N. Harbor Blvd.

- Aug. 30 – 8-9 a.m., Fullerton Main Library Conference Center, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave.

- Sept. 27 – 6-7 p.m., Grace Ministries International, 150 S. Brookhurst Road.

- Nov. 27 – 8-9 a.m., Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, 444 N. Harbor Blvd.

Further information about the “Community Dialogue” program may be obtained by calling Zelinka at (714) 738-3347, or by email at alz@ci.fullerton.ca.us.

Persons requiring special accommodations to attend a “Community Dialogue” are asked to notify the Community Development Department at (714) 738-6547 prior to the meeting.

Community Dialogue Changes Venue

(From City Press Release)

Due to a conflict in meeting locations, Fullerton Community Development Director Al Zelinka has rescheduled the site for his Thursday, Jan. 26, “Community Dialogue” public outreach program.

           

The new location for the January “dialogue” is the Fullerton Public Library Conference Center, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave. The meeting will run from 8-9 a.m.

           

The dialogues are designed to provide citizens an opportunity to discuss issues, concerns and hopes they have regarding the city’s growth and development. Zelinka started the dialogues as a means of helping his department meet the goals of its mission statement.

I encourage all Fullerton area residents and business owners to attend this meeting.  It gives everyone a chance to ask questions and make suggestions in an informal and friendly environment. 

Past meetings have lead to stepped up police and code enforcement as well as neighborhood-level problem solving. 

I have found these meetings to be much more productive than City Council meetings.

Fullerton City Council Meeting - Tomorrow at 6:30PM

Speak up and be heard. 

6:30PM at Fullerton City Hall

303 W. Commonwealth Ave.

Read the City Council Agenda HERE!

Community Dialogue with Community Development Director Al Zelinka this Tuesday

This Tuesday Communit Development Director Al Zelinka will be holding another "Community Dialogue" from 8am-9am at the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, 444 N. Harbor Blvd.

These have been excellent opportunities thus far to speak with Al, voice your concerns and offer up solutions. 

Al believes community involvement in the planning process is "absolutely essential to achieving that goal and [he hopes] the public will take advantage of this meeting to share their ideas, issues and other information."

He will continue the bi-monthly dialogues in 2012. The schedule will be as follows:

- Jan. 25, May 24 and Sept. 27 – 6-7 p.m., Vision Center, Room 140, Grace Ministries International, 150 S. Brookhurst Road.

- March 27, July 24 and Nov. 27 – 8-9 a.m., Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, 444 N. Harbor Blvd.

Further information about the "Community Dialogue" program may be obtained by calling Zelinka at (714) 738-3347, or by email at alz@ci.fullerton.ca.us.

Persons requiring special accommodations to attend a "Community Dialogue" are asked to notify the Community Development Department at (714) 738-6547 prior to the meeting.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR - Al Zelinka's Community Dialogue - November 22

Fullerton Community Development Director Al Zelinka will conduct a “Community Dialogue” Tuesday, Nov. 22, which citizens can attend and discuss issues, concerns and hopes they have regarding the city’s growth and development.

The dialogue, the last in the 2011 series of bi-monthly community meetings conducted by Zelinka, will be held from 8-9 a.m. at the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, 444 N. Harbor Blvd.

Zelinka said he started the dialogues as a means of helping his department meet the goals of its mission statement.

           

“I believe community involvement in the planning process is absolutely essential to achieving that goal,” Zelinka said, “and I hope the public will take advantage of this meeting to share their ideas, issues and other information.”

           

Zelinka added he will continue the bi-monthly dialogues in 2012. The schedule will be as follows:

- Jan. 25, May 24 and Sept. 27 – 6-7 p.m., Vision Center, Room 140, Grace Ministries International, 150 S. Brookhurst Road.

- March 27, July 24 and Nov. 27 – 8-9 a.m., Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, 444 N. Harbor Blvd.

           

Further information about the “Community Dialogue” program may be obtained by calling Zelinka at (714) 738-3347, or by email at alz@ci.fullerton.ca.us.

Persons requiring special accommodations to attend a “Community Dialogue” are asked to notify the Community Development Department at (714) 738-6547 prior to the meeting.

Focus On West Fullerton - Recap

At Wednesday's Focus On West Fullerton Community Dialogue in the new Library Conference Center I was asked by a City official why I didn't blog about these positive events.  I gave the official my blog address (GregSebourn.Blogspot.com) and said that I was pretty good about announcing these opportunities when they came up.

So, I figured a recap of the meeting was in order.

Some of the officials present included City Manager Joe Felz, Community Services Director Al Zelinka, Police Captain Dan Hughes, and Council Member Sharon Quirk-Silva.  Noticeably absent from the panel was Public Works Director Don Hoppe. 

Also present were various commissioners like my self. 

I attended the meeting acting in my official capacity as the Chair of your Citizen's Infrastructure Review Commission (CIRC).  I took notes and asked questions. 

The somewhat informal meeting kicked off at 6pm with about 40 people present.  City Manager Joe Felz spoke briefly and gave a general State of the City report.  Community Development director Al Zelinka acted as the facilitator.

The bulk of the meeting consisted of Captain Dan Hughes and questions by residents.  One of the single best things I heard was from Captain Hughes who told the audience, "Hold me accountable."

Some of the discussions included crime prevention, crime mapping, and how to deal with the police department effectively. 

Also, discussed were quallity of life issues like tagging.  Captain Hughes described a recent crackdown on taggers that used a number of plain-clothed officers from the patrol division.

If you have a Police Department issue, please use the following phone numbers:

Front Desk 714-738-6816

Dispatch 714-738-6800 (press zero)

Capt. Hughes 714-738-6840 

My short mention of the lengthy discussion doesn't do justice in describing the depth and breadth of Captain Hughes' nearly 2-hour attempt to inform the public.

Many residents complained of poor lighting, deteriorating roads, and "abandoned" buildings.

Some residents proposed turning the vacant Fullerton Dodge property at 1100 W. Orangethorpe into a park.  Many were concerned about too much high-density residential development on the west side. 

Many of the comments and questions pertaining to lighting and roads would have been best directed to Public Works Director Hoppe.  In his absence, the other officials made attempts to address the concerns.

The people speaking need to use a microphone.  A large number of the residents appeared to be senior citizens and many told me that it was very hard to hear.

City Manager Joe Felz explained that the City is looking at a shift in the use of Redevelopment Agency funds.  Felz explained that state law requires 20% of the funds be spent on affordable housing.  The remaining funds could be spent on infrastructure needs like roads and sidewalks.  He said there were a couple of pending law suits which would ultimately decide if the money could be used in such a manner. 

Those who know me also know how I feel about the Redevelopment Agency.  Since this post is specifically to address the meeting, I will refrain from expressing my opinion of the Fullerton Redevelopment Agency.

Lastly, and most importantly, the department heads (PD, Community Development, City Manager) are talking to one another.  They are attempting to reorganize a downsized City Hall and address the issues which many feel were ignored by their predecessors. 

I will give the Citizens Infrastructure Review Committee a brief report on the meeting to share the concerns brought forward by the public.  Tentatively, the next CIRC meeting is scheduled for November 14 at 4PM at City Hall.  The public is encouraged to attend and speak about infrastructure related issues or just listen. 

REMINDER - FOCUS ON WEST FULLERTON - TONIGHT

You’re invited to…

A Dialogue with
Fullerton City Manager Joe Felz

Fullerton Police Captain Dan Hughes

Fullerton Community Development Director Al Zelinka

And other members of your City of Fullerton team

TONIGHT!

WHY?
Over the next several months, meetings will be organized to facilitate dialogues between the Fullerton community and members of its City of Fullerton team.

The purpose of this planned meeting is to have a productive dialogue between West Fullerton community members and City staff about quality of life issues and explore approaches, ideas, and solutions related to them.

WHEN?
TONIGHT - Wednesday, November 2, 2011 – 6:00pm-8:00pm

WHERE?Fullerton Main Library – Conference Center
353 W. Commonwealth Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832

MORE INFORMATION…For more information, please contact Al Zelinka, Community Development Director for the City of Fullerton at 714-738-3347 or alz@ci.fullerton.ca.us.

Zelinka's Community Dialogues



Al Zelinka, Director
Community Development



Last night I attended one of Community Development Director Al Zelinka's "Community Dialogues" meetings.  About 30 residents and business owners attended the even at Grace Ministries Church on Brookhurst to hear Zelinka and voice their concerns.

Zelinka began with a state of the city from a planning perspective.  He noted that planning and community development had been out-dated and out of sync for perhaps several decades.

A shift from business as usual to long-term investment in the City's infrastructure was outlined.

The residents and business owners expressed their strong displeasure with the City's streets and the aesthetics along the main roads, Euclid, Orangethorpe, Brookhurst, and Magnolia to name a few.

Among the topics of discussion were the "abandoned" businesses like the old Dodge dealer on Orangethorpe.  Neighbors want the site maintained and free from vandalism.  Joining Zelinka was Building and Code Enforcement Manager Kirke Warren.  Warren said the City has been working for months to uncover who was responsible for the property and have come up empty-handed each time. 

Many questions about code enforcement were raised.  From graffiti to shopping carts, it seems residents are tire of the mess.  Although homelessness was brought up as was the task force on the issue, the discussion didn't progress beyond acknowledgment of the problem. 

Also discussed was a Planned Parenthood clinic on the west side, though details were sketchy.

My hat goes off to "Adam" who walked door-to-door in his neighborhood to tell residents about this meeting.  He was unanimously elected to represent the residents of those west side neighborhoods.  Zelinka gave him a credit for helping bring attention to these often overlooked areas and the quality of life issues they face to the attention of city staff.

Zelinka, a 3-year veteran of the City, is the first non-elected department head to step out into the community to ask how he can serve the people better.  After nearly 2 hours, Zelinka wrapped up with explaining that there is a shift afoot within City Hall to use Fullerton Redevelopment funds for the City's infrastructure.

The residents all commented that they want to know more about what goes on at City Hall.  They all expressed an interest in being involved.  As I said last night, the easiest way to know what's happening is to subscribe to the City's eLists. The site will take you through the process of setting up the customized service that will email you about upcoming public meetings and events.  And you have already paid for it with taxes!

You can also subscribe to this blog by entering your email address in the box on the right side of this website.

The next "Community Dialogues" meeting is scheduled for November 22 at the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce at 8AM. 

My thanks and appreciation goes to Al Zelinka for his willingness and effort to reach out into Fullerton and seek input.  I am impressed by his desire to empower residents with improving their neighborhoods.  Community input is a big step in the right direction. 

Tomorrow Night - Speak Up and Be Heard

The following is a City of Fullerton Press Release, #17811, from 8/29/2011.  I have also included additional information at the bottom.

Fullerton Community Development Director Al Zelinka will conduct a “Community Dialogue” Tuesday, Sept. 27, which citizens can attend and discuss issues, concerns and hopes they have regarding the city’s growth and development.

The dialogue, one in a series of bi-monthly community meetings conducted by Zelinka, will be held from 6-7 p.m. at the Vision Center, Room 140, Grace Ministries International, 150 S. Brookhurst Road.

Zelinka said he started the dialogues as a means of helping his department meet the goals of its mission statement. 

           

“Our mission,” Zelinka said, “is to help residents and businesses with their efforts to grow within our community in a safe, orderly and healthful manner that respects Fullerton’s heritage while sustaining opportunity for present and future generations.

           

“I believe community involvement in the planning process is absolutely essential to achieving that goal, and I hope the public will take advantage of these meetings to share their ideas, issues and other information.”

The final dialogue in the series will be held from 8-9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, 444 N. Harbor Blvd.

Further information about the “Community Dialogue” program may be obtained by calling Zelinka at (714) 738-3347, or by email at alz@ci.fullerton.ca.us.

Persons requiring special accommodations to attend a “Community Dialogue” are asked to notify the Community Development Department at (714) 738-6547 prior to the meeting.

###

The City's General Plan is being dusted off, updated, and tweaked. 

I urge you to read, or at least skim over, the Draft General Plan.

This is the planning document which dictates how our City will grow and expand for the next 20-plus years.  If you believe open space should be protected no matter the cost, you need to read the Plan.  If you want to add a room to your home, you need to read the Plan.  If you want our roads to be maintained, YOU NEED TO READ THE PLAN. 

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY...

If experience has taught us nothing else, it matters not what you SAY but rather what you DO.  And I know what we say at these public meetings and forums DOESN'T ALWAYS MAKE IT INTO THE DOCUMENT THAT IS BEING APPROVED.  You wouldn't sign a contract without reading it and this General Plan is a contract for managing every aspect of our City.  Make sure YOUR concerns are addressed.

In my opinion, this is the single most important document in the City of Fullerton.  I have been reviewing it for several weeks and still haven't fully grasped the long-term implications of accepting the Plan as drafted.   I need your help and would appreciate your input.  I'm sure the City's Planning Department would also appreciate your input.  Please tell your family and friends to attend the Director's Community Dialogue. 

If you would like more information, please email me at GregSebourn@yahoo.com.

City offers housing rehabilitation loans for homeowners

I have mixed thoughts on the City making loans to residents but I tend to favor this program.

It is far cheaper for taxpayers to give homeowners loans for minor repairs than it is to have code enforcement (or Community Preservation Officers) write tickets and then have the City Attorney file a civil suit against a homeowner.

By doing this, the City is taking a proactive role in combating blighted conditions.  These loans may also help prevent the “need” for the Fullerton Redevelopment Agency to condemn properties as part of that Agency’s fight against blight.

Here is the City’s press release:

 

Does your plumbing leak or your house need a fresh coat of paint? How about other basic safety improvements such as a new roof or repairing faulty wiring or heating to curb high energy costs?

           

If your answer to any of these questions is "yes," but your checkbook balance says it’s out of the question, don't give up: The City of Fullerton may be able to lend you a hand.

           

The City, through its Housing and Community Development Office, offers both deferred and below-market interest rate loans to Fullerton homeowners through its Housing Rehabilitation Program.

The loans are funded through the federal Housing and Urban Development Department's Community Development Block Grant Program, and qualifying homeowners must meet the program’s income criteria and guidelines. .

           

"The goal of the program is to assist low- and moderate-income residents who cannot afford to keep up their homes on their own," explained Sylvia Chavez, housing programs assistant for the city. "By providing them with a way of taking care of their homes, the City is helping protect their quality of life, as well as their property values."

           

Below-market rate loans of up to $65,000 are available for qualified applicants. The loans carry a low interest rate of 6 percent or below, and the maximum repayment period is 15 years.

           

Homeowners unable to qualify for the below-market rate loans may qualify for a deferred loan, Chavez continued. Deferred loans require no monthly payments and no interest, and are reviewed every 15 years for eligibility. The loans come due upon the sale or transfer of the home.

           

Senior citizen homeowners (62 years of age or older) who only receive federal or state financial assistance, such as Social Security or disability, are allowed to bypass the bank application and apply directly for a deferred loan.

           

Applications and further information about the loan programs may be obtained by calling Chavez at (714) 738-6874, or by coming to the Housing and Community Rehabilitation Office on the second floor of Fullerton City Hall,

303 W. Commonwealth Ave.

           

Applications and further information are also available under the Community Development Department section of the City website at www.ci.fullerton.ca.us.

Fullerton Press Release - Al Zelinka

A City of Fullerton Press Release just dropped into my in box and it looks like something you should know about. 

Fullerton Community Development Director Al Zelinka will conduct a “Community Dialogue” Tuesday, Sept. 27, which citizens can attend and discuss issues, concerns and hopes they have regarding the city’s growth and development.

The dialogue, one in a series of bi-monthly community meetings conducted by Zelinka, will be held from 6-7 p.m. at the Vision Center, Room 140, Grace Ministries International, 150 S. Brookhurst Road.

Zelinka said he started the dialogues as a means of helping his department meet the goals of its mission statement.

           

“Our mission,” Zelinka said, “is to help residents and businesses with their efforts to grow within our community in a safe, orderly and healthful manner that respects Fullerton’s heritage while sustaining opportunity for present and future generations.

           

“I believe community involvement in the planning process is absolutely essential to achieving that goal, and I hope the public will take advantage of these meetings to share their ideas, issues and other information.”

The final dialogue in the series will be held from 8-9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, 444 N. Harbor Blvd.

Further information about the “Community Dialogue” program may be obtained by calling Zelinka at (714) 738-3347, or by email at alz@ci.fullerton.ca.us.

Persons requiring special accommodations to attend a “Community Dialogue” are asked to notify the Community Development Department at (714) 738-6547 prior to the meeting.

July 2011 Council Update

Projects:

Euclid Street Reconstruction - Orangethorpe Avenue to 91 Freeway (Engineering): This project includes replacing deteriorated pavement and access ramps to comply with ADA regulations; installing traffic loops and striping; and replacing damaged curbs and gutters. The project is in the bidding phase, and construction is expected to begin in late August.

Richman Athletic Field Improvements (Engineering): The project was completed at the beginning of June and is in the maintenance period, which ends in September.

West Harbor Alley Improvement -

Amerige Avenue-Wilshire Avenue

(Engineering): In June, Council awarded this $215,175 project to Kormx, Inc. The project includes alley and sidewalk reconstruction, and improvements in landscaping, irrigation, and lighting between the Amerige and Wilshire entrances. Construction is expected to be completed in September.

Fox Block Temporary Parking Lot (Engineering): Construction was completed in June, and the lot is now fully operational.

Sewer Replacement and Road Reconstruction - Chapman Area, west of

Basque Avenue

(Engineering): Kana Pipeline, Inc., has begun installing sewer main and removing concrete at intersection corners. Access ramp installation will follow, as well as sidewalks, curbs, gutters and alley returns. The project is expected to be completed in mid-September.

Tennis Center Renovation (Parks and Recreation): The Fullerton Tennis Center renovation began July 5, and is expected to be completed Oct. 25. A grand opening is planned in November. Court availability will remain open throughout construction.

Hiltscher Trail Improvements (Parks and Recreation): The trail improvements (from

Euclid Street

to

La Mesa Avenue

) began early this month. Improvements will include enhanced trail staging areas, as well as a new trail alignment to create a better flow for different types of users and to cause the least amount of disruption to the neighboring homes. This section of the trail is closed during construction and will reopen in October.

Update on the Fox Theatre (Redevelopment and Economic Development): Work on the seismic retrofit of the Fox Theatre complex continues. Roof tile from the Firestone Building and Tea Room has been removed and cleaned. The tiles will be surveyed to determine which ones can be reused. Removal of the marquee is complete. The ”FOX ” letters were removed from the marquee and will be stored while the new marquee is fabricated during Phase 2 of the restoration project.

SOCO West Parking Structure (Redevelopment and Economic Development): Construction of the parking structure is under way, with shoring activities finished and excavation 80 percent completed.

Programs:

Fourth of July Festival (Parks and Recreation): Attendance in the stadium was estimated at 12,000, with an estimated 20,000 people in the surrounding streets, parks, and at the courthouse to watch the fireworks show. There was one minor incident at the end of the night: A woman fell as she was walking down the steps in the stadium. She landed hard on her left knee and hand. Fullerton Fire Paramedics provided medical attention, and she was taken to Anaheim Regional Hospital for follow-up. Traffic in the surrounding streets was heavy after the event, with no significant incidents reported.

Summer Concerts in the Park (Parks and Recreation): The Summer Concerts in the Park will be held Wednesdays, beginning July 13 and running through Aug. 17. The concerts will offer a variety of music genres from “Southbound” (‘70s and Southern Rock), “HELP” (a Beatles tribute group), “The James Harman Band” (blues), “The Mighty Cash Cats” (a Johnny Cash tribute group), “Yard Sale” (classic rock) and “The Lucky Stars” (country). A different Fullerton restaurant will sell food each week, and free crafts will be provided. Free shuttle service will be available to and from the parking structure at First Evangelical Free Church.

Foreclosure Prevention Workshop (Community Development): On June 11, the Orange County Home Ownership Preservation Collaborative, along with the Shalom Center Tree of Life and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez’s office, partnered to provide a free foreclosure prevention workshop that provided counseling to distressed homeowners by nonprofit housing agencies and lender representatives. Approximately 207 persons attended the event, representing 83 households in Fullerton and local communities. The foreclosure prevention information was presented in English, and Korean and Spanish translators were provided. All attendees first met one-on-one with a housing counselor and then were able to meet one-on-one with their respective lender to discuss their individual situations. Five lenders and four nonprofit agencies participated in the event.

City-wide Clean-up (Maintenance Services): In April, the City Council directed Maintenance Services to implement a city-wide clean-up effort involving several projects. As of June 30, the status of that effort is as follows:

Landscape Projects:

• The
  

  Nutwood Avenue

  and

  Lemon Street

  improvements have been completed.
• The Juanita Cooke Trail survey has been completed and work is under way.

Graffiti Removal:

The three-person graffiti removal crew’s efforts have been augmented by an employee assigned to clean parking structures, who is also removing graffiti as he finds it during his cleaning rounds.

Pothole Repair:

The Street Division repaired potholes at 525 locations in May and June, compared with 335 for the same period in 2010. The Division will continue to use recycled asphalt to augment its regular asphalt purchases, increasing the amount of material available for pothole repair and other paving operations.

Street Sign Replacement:

The Street Division is completing the count and locations of street sign replacement.

Based on current ordering and installation times, installing of all 326 new signs should be completed by September.

Month in Review:

Website Statistics (Redevelopment and Economic Development): In June, the Department’s section on the City website had 1,736 hits.

Unemployment Rates (Redevelopment and Economic Development): Current unemployment rates are as follows: U.S. – 9.1 percent; California – 11.4 percent; Orange County – 8.5 percent; and Fullerton – 9.6 percent. This data was provided by the Orange County Workforce Investment Board.

Fire: In June, the Department had 915 requests for service, up slightly from the 904 requests in June 2010. Of the 915 requests, 673 were for emergency medical aid, 23 were for fires, eight were hazardous materials incidents, and 61 were service calls. Of the medical aid requests, 437 required advanced life support response and 236 required basic life support response. In addition, the Department responded on 84 automatic aid calls, and received 73 automatic aid responses.

Community Development: In June, the Department: issued 292 plan checks and permits; issued 427 building permits; conducted 1,612 building inspections; received 216 code enforcement complaints; handled 733 active code enforcement cases; closed 176 code enforcement complaints; and conducted 848 code enforcement inspections.

Major Building Permits (Community Development): In June, the following major permits were issued: Chick-fil-A Restaurant; parking structure for the Transportation Center; and parking structure for University Housing,

555 N. Commonwealth Ave.

Police: In June, the Department was dispatched to 3,529 calls for service and initiated 2,164 additional contacts. There were 1,055 criminal reports taken and 419 persons arrested for various criminal offenses.

Police Explorers (Police): In the last week of June, eight Fullerton Police Explorers, along with three Police Officers and a Cadet Adviser attended “Camp Superstars” in Lake Arrowhead. Explorers from around Southern California gathered for a week of team building and competition. It was the first chance many of our Explorers ever had to attend such a camp. At the conclusion of the week, Fullerton’s Post earned the “Badge of Honor” trophy, which was awarded for an “exemplary showing of teamwork, sportsmanship and character.”

Source: http://www.cityoffullerton.com/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=7491