Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting
Ferry Boat Santa Rosa, Pier 3, San Francisco, CA 94111
Board members in attendance in addition to President Sauro: Fred Allardyce, Morton Beebe, Bill Benkavitch, Jonathan Middlebrook, Carol Parlette, Lee Radner, Felix Rodriguez, Diana Taylor, Joe Wyman.
Board members who were absent: Linda Schwartz.
President Bill Sauro called the meeting to order at
1. Introduction of President of Board of
Supervisors, David Chiu. After the
meeting was called to order, President Sauro introduced David Chiu, who was
elected in November 2008 as the new District 3 Supervisor, and was also elected
in January 2009 as President of the Board of Supervisors.
2. Comments from President Chiu followed by Questions and Answers. Supervisor Chiu said it is an honor to represent District 3. He gave a special salute to Mike DeNunzio, who also ran for District 3 Supervisor. Supervisor Chiu recounted what he has been doing since he assumed his position, and how he divides his time among the many issues confronting him. He has been meeting with neighborhood associations – the ‘heart and soul of District 3’, and next week plans to meet with local businesses. He said there is lots of tension between developers and the sixteen neighborhoods in the District. He said that representing the District is his first duty and is looking to a good four years with BCNA. He has also met with the City Department heads and the SF Port to see how they view their role and how they make things happen.
Supervisor Chiu said that the largest challenge in 2009 is
the City budget; 80% of the good ideas he has or has heard cannot be funded. The City has a $6 billion budget and $5
billion of that is locked in as “set-asides,” leaving just $1 billion from
which to cut a deficit of about $575 million.
He said that the federal government and
Supervisor Chiu then took questions from the Board and meeting attendees. He made the following comments in response to these questions.
Public Trust Doctrine. Supervisor Chiu stated that Doctrine hasn’t
been done in the right way – considering open space. The Port needs money. City should consider a Bond measure, start a
process for the Port lands – these lands are the citizens of
Noise, the
Harley motorcycles on the Embarcadero.
Supervisor Chiu said a new noise ordinance was recently passed. City is figuring out what the implementation
process is. He said to remind him in a
couple months about this. He also stated
that District 3 is the densest urban area outside of
Abuses in City Government – overtime and salaries. Supervisor Chiu stated that in the last 6 months the Mayor has been trying to put a light on the overtime problem – issue is coming under control. He stated that 40% of City employees have salaries more than the Board. Some are justified such as Doctors in Public Health Service. Others are due to the top heavy hierarchy – not a pyramid, more of a column. He stated that the Mayor will release proposed management cuts.
How to turn around the SF Port, make it an economic engine. Supervisor Chiu said the Port is really a mess – a Catch 22 situation because of finances; the cycle continues. Port faces tough choices, removal of some of the piers [may be necessary].
City Businesses. Supervisor Chiu said that there are 15 City Departments that regulate businesses. His first legislative item is to call a hearing next month and to ask the Mayor why.
City budget deficit. Supervisor Chiu stated that both he and his staff are taking one day a month off without pay, as an example to others about the seriousness of the deficit. The reality is that there are 40 unions in the City with labor contracts – these contracts are not up this year.
Tradition
of the neighborhood groups helping in District 3. Supervisor Chiu wants to use neighborhood
associations like BCNA to work together with him. For example, the proposal for 600 Battery
Street – adding three stories to the existing three story building for a total
of six; he would like BCNA to vet this; he would work with the community to
build a consensus – he needs help.
SF
Electrical utility passthroughs and corporate rentals at the Gateway. On utility passthroughs, Supervisor Chiu said some progress has been made in controlling this and there are a couple more things that need to be fixed. Concerning corporate rentals, he asked that he be forwarded evidence of this occurrence.
Supervisor Chiu thanked everyone who attended the meeting
and said he looked forward to meeting again with the Board. He departed at
After a short break, the regular monthly Board meeting
began.
3. Quorum Call. There were ten Board members in attendance.
4. Approval of Minutes. The minutes of the
5. Treasurer’s Report. Carol Parlette distributed the Balance Sheet,
Income Statement and Budget Summary Report as of
6. Committee Reports. Committee reporting was deferred to the
February meeting.
7. Old Business. Old Business discussion was deferred to the
February meeting. The Board did discuss
briefly that Alex Steak and Lounge permit request for after-hours operation was
withdrawn. The Board also expressed
strong support for the business as a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
8. New Business.
a.
b. Financial Support for FOGG. President Sauro stated to the Board that
attorney Sue Hestor, who represents FOGG in its efforts to preserve the Golden
Gateway Tennis & Swim Club provides benefits to BCNA from her efforts. It seems appropriate to outreach to BCNA
members for FOGG financial support.
After some discussion, the Board voted 8 – 2 in favor of this
proposal. President Sauro agreed to
prepare a draft email and present it to the Board for comment prior to sending
it the BCNA members.
c. Masonic Auditorium Plans. The Board discussed the proposal for a bigger
facility at the Masonic Auditorium, and whether to invite Gerry Crowley, who
represents the group opposed to this plan to the next Board meeting. The Board voted against involvement in this,
as it is seen as an ‘out of neighborhood’ issue. President Sauro said he would follow-up with
Ms. Crowley.
9. Next Meeting. The next BCNA Board meeting is scheduled for
10. Schedule Annual
Meeting. The Annual Meeting was
scheduled for
11. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Bill Benkavitch
Secretary