Mission Beach Precise Planning Board, Jan. 18 Mission Beach Precise Planning Board (MBPPB) Chairwoman Debbie Watkins said the board is looking to fill vacant representative seats. Interested candidates must be at least 18 years old, live or own property in Mission Beach, or own or manage a local business with a business address in the area. “The primary purpose of the board is to advise the city of San Diego in the review of building plans and other zoning and code issues in Mission Beach,” Watkins said. “Members must be willing to donate approximately three to six hours a month to prepare for and attend board meetings.” To receive nomination consideration, applicants must attend the board meeting Feb. 15 at the community room in Belmont Park at 7 p.m. (see the notice on this page for more details) • Watkins announced that District 2 City Councilman Kevin Faulconer has invited members of the board to a meeting Jan. 26 to discuss the prospect of the city selling display space on lifeguard towers, lifeguard surf boards and other city-owned property to raise money for the city. • The board gave its blessing to a budget proposal from the Park and Recreation Department. Several empty tree wells will be getting new trees along Mission Boulevard and damaged tree wells will be repaired under the budget proposal. • City of San Diego Senior Civil Engineer Steve Lindsay announced plans for a sewer pipe replacement project in Mission Beach over the coming months. Work in several alleys is expected to start in mid-February. MBPPB meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the community room in Belmont Park. The next one is set for Feb. 15. Mission Beach Town Council, Jan. 12 The Mission Beach Town Council (MBTC) held its first meeting of the year Jan. 12. Significant changes to the board included new president Bob Ruane, who conducted his first meeting since taking over. “I’m happy to take over the role as president,” said Ruane, who previously served on the board for four years. “I’m excited and I hope we can get people more involved and make positive changes to the area.” In another board change, newcomer Betty Jean Lundquist stepped in at the secretary role. Staying in their respective positions from last year are Vice President Jasmine Kung, Treasurer Scott Morrison and Membership Director Jill Lester. Morrison opened the meeting saying the current membership fundraiser drive raised more than $5,000 and the MBTC now has a balance of more than $8,000 in its account. • Ruane has opened a Facebook page for the MBTC, which he hopes will increase involvement in the community through social networking. • Senior public information officer Jennifer Nichols Kearns with the city’s Transportation and Storm Water Department spoke about the status of the ongoing water pump situation in Mission Beach. As many locals are aware, several pumps broke down last year and temporary pumps had to be installed for the rainy winter. Repair of several permanent pumps is ongoing with a current completion target date now set for October, she said. The water pump located at the bottom of Pacific Beach Drive has been fixed, she said. • A representative from the Mission Beach Woman’s Club requested that green mesh be re-installed around the pump station located at Santa Clara Place. A motion was passed to send the MBTC’s support for the request because the construction site filled with tools is an “unsightly view” for the club, which is across the street and regularly hosts weddings and parties. • Neighborhood Watch members reported that 21 residential burglaries took place in Mission Beach over the last three months as opposed to 24 during the summer. Vehicle break-ins have been on the rise with 34 incidents over the past three months, compared to 21 the previous three months. • An architect representing Belmont Park presented plans for two proposed new rides for the park. The park wants to move and expand its rock climbing walls and add a zip line ride. Belmont Park is currently operating under a 60-day extension after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November. A court hearing on Feb. 11 is expected to bring more answers about the future of Belmont Park. MBTC meetings take place the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the community room in Belmont Park. The next one is set for Feb. 9.