Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting

Thursday November 19, 2009 – 6:00 PM

Location:  Hornblower Santa Rosa – Pier 3

 

 

 

The meeting was called to order by President Bill Sauro at 6:10 pm.  Those in attendance in addition to Sauro were Linda Schwartz, Jonathan Middlebrook, Diana Taylor, Joe Wyman, Bob Herrer, Mary Lou Licwinko and Carol Parlette.  Absent were Bill Benkavitch, Morton Beebe and Felix Rodriguez. 

 

  1. Quorum Call.  A quorum was present.

 

  1. 555 Washington.  The Board then heard a Presentation by the developer, consultant, architect and attorney for the 555 Washington condo project.  They presented a Powerpoint presentation that showed the details of their proposal including before and after renderings of the 555 building from various City locations.  They also answered verbally and visually the three objections we had to the project in our letter going “neutral” on the development sent September 24, 2009.  The Board also heard from representatives of the Jackson Square Historical District and the Jackson Square Merchants Association who support the project.  The Board agreed to possibly reconsider our position and take another vote on the issue at our January meeting.  Taylor also suggested that Sauro call the President of the THD, Vedica Puri, and discuss this project further and find out if they have seen the updated presentation.

 

  1. No Meeting Minutes Approval.  October meeting was an Executive Conference Call.

 

  1. Treasurer’s Report – Carol Parlette presented Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Budget Summary showing that dues renewals were starting to be received.  The Association has approximately $3,700 in the bank.

 

  1. Bylaws Revision Status Update – Jonathan Middlebrook and Bill Sauro distributed printed copies of our revised Bylaws.  Middlebrook suggested that Section 6 of Article III regarding expulsion of a member be deleted.  It was agreed and the vote by the membership to approve the new Bylaws would be undertaken at the time of the Annual Meeting in June, not with a special mailing.

 

  1. Holiday Party Event – Bill Sauro reported that plans were complete to have a no-host bar Holiday Party at the Old Ship Saloon on Dec. 6 from 4:30-6:30 pm.  Snacks will be served and several Board members will bring some additional food.

 

  1. Discussion Items
    1. Joe Wyman presented details of Hornblower’s proposed improvements at Pier 31 ½  - 33, including a history of the Alcatraz service, the need for the guest amenities and the fact that this site is part of the historically protected piers.  The project will be both LEED and ISO certified for “green-ness” and Wyman suggested Board members study information at www.alcatrazcruises.com.  A vote on the project was deferred to the January meeting.
    2. Diana Taylor spoke about 8 Washington and the Planning Process. She said that a small victory was achieved at the recent Planning Commission meeting when the Planning Commissioners urged the Planning Department to slow down the process and not to seek a final approval from the Commissioners until their Study has more definitive details, likely in January.  Taylor also wanted to defer any action by the BCNA Board until the Planning process had been completed, especially since little detail has emerged regarding any Seawall Lots other than 351.
    3. Bob Harrer and Carol Parlette presented their thoughts on the proposed Peter Pan production at Sue Bierman Park.  The only possible objection seemed to revolve around possible loss of active recreation areas at the park, specifically volleyball.  The Board agreed to delay any endorsement until more facts are received and to use email to poll the Board.

 

  1. Next Meeting Dates – The following future dates were approved for (1) Holiday Party: Dec. 6, 2009 and (2) next Board Meeting: Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010.

 

  1. Adjournment.  The formal meeting was adjorned at 7:40 pm.

 

  1. Executive Session – President Sauro presented a confidential development idea to the Board.