Minutes of Annual Meeting – Saturday, July 11, 2009

Present:
Estimated attendance:  150 persons.

Meeting called to order by President Robin Marcario at 10:00 a.m. after which she welcomed the members and introduced local dignitaries, including –

State Assemblyman Van Tran, who addressed the gathering commenting on the state of the state budget deficit, DMV transfer of data, and several other items, and recognized the efforts of the CGGNA with a State Assembly proclamation.

Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen, who greeted the CGGNA members and reported that the State was issuing IOU’s, but none were needed for Orange County vendors, as the County was drawing on its budget reserve to cover costs.  The County has also granted Garden Grove 316 million dollars to support day camps and improve recreational facilities such as Atlantis Park and the new Dog Park at Recreation Park.

Garden Grove Police Chief Joe Polisar, who reviewed crime figures for the city, citing a drop in crime of 20 percent during the past 15 years despite a minimal number of police officers in cities of 100,000 to 500,000 population.  Future problems include budget cuts in the State budget causing the possible release of 30,000 to 40,000 prisoners to their cities of origin.  Fireworks complaints dropped from 232 in 2004 to 27 this year.  A CGGNA member requested consideration of installing permanent radar signs on Gilbert Street similar to that on Stanford Avenue.

Garden Grove Fire Chief Dave Burtka, who advised our members of steps to take to reduce air contamination in your homes, i.e., taping windows, etc., and the “CERT TEAM” (Community Emergency Response Team) which responds to civic disasters and disabled persons.  He also reported that there were no structures destroyed by fireworks on July 4th.  A P.O.D. Program (Point of Dispensing Flu Shots) is being developed to expand inoculations to citizens. 

City Councilman Bruce Broadwater, who explained the role of councilpersons and introduced them.  He announced steps being taken to reduce budget expenses, including a freeze on hiring new city employees.  He defended the proposed elimination of the Business District on Main Street, and explained the impending rise in city residential and business water rates imposed by the Metropolitan Water District and other water suppliers (approximately 19 cents per unit of water, or 3 to 5 dollars per month).  He also explained how significant new city revenue was achieved by the Redevelopment Agency’s replacement of Harbor Blvd. substandard development (high crime area) with new hotels adjacent to the Disneyland corridor, primarily through bed tax revenue. 

A fundraiser raffle was interspersed between speakers to raise money to cover mailing and other costs for the CGGNA.  Nineteen local vendors donated 40 vouchers and many free dinners and other gifts valued at approximately $1,037.00.  Ticket raffle sales were estimated to be approximately $375.00 (75 x 5).  While 21 new memberships totaled $252.00, renewed memberships totaled 46 and brought $552.00 to the CGGNA treasury.  Members total was 780/804.  Donations equaled $138.00. 

More than 100 pounds of food were donated to the Orange County Food Bank by those attending the Annual Meeting. 
Meeting Adjourned:    President Robin Marcario officially adjourned the meeting at 11:30 a.m. and members were treated to free hot dogs, fresh fruit, soft drinks and chips.  There was much discussion among members and special guests of the topics raised in the early part of the gathering, which informally continued to noon. 

Respectfully submitted,


Ralph Laudenslayer, Secretary

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