Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association
Minutes of Board of Directors Meeting
February 15, 2007
Hornblower Yachts Office – Pier 3, San Francisco
“DRAFT”
The meeting was called to order at 6:11 pm by President Fred Allardyce.
Board members in attendance in addition to President Allardyce were Debra Bleemer, Carol Parlette, Lee Radner, Bill Sauro, Joe Wyman, and Diana Taylor. Safety Committee Chair Maria Matson was also in attendance.
Board members who were absent: Morton Beebe, Bob Iwerson and Bill Benkavitch.
1. A presentation by the Exploratorium was given to the Board by Vanessa Loftus, James Suh and Fred Foote. Mr. Foote spoke about the background of the Exploratorium; its non-profit status; its mission and ties to other museums and institutions around the world; and its need to expand its facilities in one location, as opposed to its current divided status between the Palace of Fine Arts and the Presidio. Mr. Foote stated that the Exploratorium wanted to move to Pier 15 because of access to public transportation; potential for water-based activities; and being in a more centrally-located part of the City. Mr. Foote also discussed the initial timeline for the project, with a potential completion date in 2010 and the fact that private donations would be the source of funding for the project. Ms. Loftus stated that at least six community meetings would be held in San Francisco. Board member Taylor indicated that the BCNA would like to be a part of the planning process for at least one of these meetings, if not a co-sponsor of such event. Board members indicated that parking and traffic were the most problematic issues affecting a proposed Exploratorium relocation. The BCNA and the Exploratorium agreed to work together on a Spring Community meeting. Detailed information on the Exploratorium plans can be found at http://www.exploratorium.edu/embarcadero.
2. The Minutes of the January 18, 2007 Barbary Coast Association Board Meeting were approved.
3. Treasurer Parlette then gave the Treasurer’s Report.
A. Financial statements were distributed showing income and expense activity since 1/1/07. In addition a preliminary budge was approved for 2007 after some income and expense categories were adjusted.
B. A letter was presented by Director Taylor for signature by the President asking for an accounting of funds previously held in a Waterfront Action Group account.
C. Director Sauro confirmed that the IRS had approved the BCNA’s application for non-profit status under section 501(c) (4) of the Internal Revenue code.
4. Membership Status.
A. The association now has 104 dues-paying members.
B. Continued direct mail and other marketing efforts will be undertaken to increase membership.
5. It was moved and seconded to renew the BCNA’s membership in the Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods.
6. Director Taylor led a discussion regarding changes in the BCNA Committee structure.
A. It was proposed to disband the Liason Committee and instead have representatives from neighborhood groups or other committees handle these matters.
B. It was recommended that the BCNA have the following standing committees, with their purpose following:
I. Program and Social Event Committee – To plan community meetings and forums and organize social gatherings to attract members.
II. Safety Committee – Restructured to include Neighborhood quality of life issues.
III. Newsletter Committee -- Manage editiorial and column writing and receive articles from Committee chairs each quarter.
IV. Membership Committee – Undertake communication to existing members and organize efforts to attract new members.
V. Waterfront Action Group (or possible new name) – Monitor neighborhood developments and work with adjacent groups, the Port and Telegraph Hill Dwellers, on issues related to our neighborhood and the Northeast Waterfront.
C. Director Taylor also proposed that the committee responsibilities would include creating written reports to the Board and if approved, added to the www.barbaryneighbors.org website. Committee members should also represent the various areas in our neighborhood. In addition, only proposed action items would be added to the Board meeting agenda. Information-only items would be posted on the website.
D. After considerable discussion, the Board agreed to restructure its committees and the following Board members volunteered to initially chair the following Committees:
1. Program and Social Events – Fred Allardyce
2. Safety – Maria Matson
3. Newsletter – Joe Wyman
4. Membership – Bill Sauro, with assistance from Lee Radner (GG Center) and Joe Wyman (businesses)
5. WAG – Diana Taylor
Taylor then asked the new Committee chairs to present an action plan, calendar, budget and committee member suggestions at the next meeting.
7. The matter of a BCNA Anniversary event at Teatro Zinzanni was discussed and the Board tabled the idea, preferring to work toward a membership discount card that would give members discounts at many businesses, as opposed to a one-night discount at one expensive venue.
8. Director Bleemer then led a discussion regarding traffic issues in the neighborhood, including the pedestrian right-of-way problems on Sansome and Battery Streets. The Association agreed to spearhead efforts for better law enforcement and possibly additional stop signs on the above streets. Director Bleemer would undertake the preliminary efforts with the City in this regard, with help from Director Wyman.
9. Status of Port/Waterfront & BCNA developments were discussed by President Allardyce.
A. Shorenstein/Farralon Capital project on Piers 27-31.
B. Lack of movement on the 8 Washington Street project.
C. Initial sales success of 733 Front Street condominiums.
10. Agenda item on the SF Business Times article Feb 5, 2007, response to editor was not discussed.
11. The next board meeting was schedule for March 15, 2007.
12. The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 pm
Respectfully submitted,
William H. Sauro
Secretary