Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting
November 17, 2011
550 Davis Street, Unit 25, San Francisco, CA 94111
1st DRAFT
Prior to the commencement of the meeting, the Board assembled and acknowledged President Sauro’s birthday. The Board thanked him for his leadership and his work in making BCNA a well-respected neighborhood organization with a positive effect in the community.
The meeting began at 6:15 pm and was called to order by President Bill Sauro.
Board members in attendance in addition to President Sauro: Morton Beebe, Bill Benkavitch, Steve Chen, Bob Harrer, Carol Parlette, Paul Renne, Diana Taylor.
Board members absent: RaneeLan, Mary Lou Licwinko.
Also in attendance: David Albert, prospective Board Member; Jay Folberg, BCNA member.
1. Quorum Call. When the meeting was called to order, there were eight Board members in attendance.
2. Introduction of David Albert – Board Nominee. President Sauro introduced David to the Board as a nominee to replace Felix Rodriguez. Mr. Albert gave the Board a brief summary of his background and his interest in the community.
3. Vote on Appointment of
Nominee to Board.The Board voted unanimously to appoint David Albert to the
BCNA Board.
4. Approval of Minutes.The
minutes from the September 8, 2011 Board meeting were approvedunanimously.These
minutes had previously been emailed to Board members for comment.
5. Treasurer’s Report. Carol Parlette discussed the Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Budget Summary Report dated 11/17/11. These documents had been previously emailed to the Board. The current balance is $6,089.96. Main expense was the Fall Newsletter. Savings and efficiencies have been realized by electronic transmission of the Newsletter rather than mailing.The Board adopted the Treasurer’s Report unanimously. Carol stated that she will send the end of fiscal year Report to the Board and that is was good to finally have some funds in reserve.
6. Membership Update& 2012 Renewal Campaign.President Sauro gave the Board an update on BCNA membership. The renewal package was mailed in early November. About half of the existing BCNA members have already renewed, which is faster than last year.
7. Old Business.
a. Status of 8 Washington DEIR and Lawsuit. President Sauro reported that SFWP has submitted a new design for the development. All tennis courts would be eliminated and an aquatic center has been added. There are also other commercial changes, a playground, and Pacific Mall changes. He further stated the EIR would likely be out in January 2012.
President Sauro updated the Board on his statements at the November 15, 2011 Port Commission meeting. He stated the 8 Washington design is still seriously flawed regarding traffic and the underground parking garage and that the 1 car per 2 condominium City policy is not followed. He further stated concerns about America’s Cup with construction and noise.
Diana Taylor updated the Board on the November 16, 2011 NEWAG meeting. She restated the BCNA position to oppose the project.
The Board engaged in a general discussion about the project and what the next steps would be, including the AND Alternative design vision.
President Sauro updated the Board on the status of the Coalition Lawsuit, based on his discussion with attorney Susan Brandt-Hawley. The initial finding was against the Coalition. However, the analysis used in the ruling leaves open an opportunity to appeal. He stated further that the appeal has been filed and results should be known by February 12, 2012.
President Sauro then raised
the question whether BCNA should remain with the Coalition Lawsuit. After a discussion, the Board voted unanimously to remain with the Coalition Lawsuit.
b. Playgrounds. President Sauroreported to the Board that the SF Recreation & Parks Commission at the November 17, 2011 meeting approved a playground in Sue Bierman Park. Only issue to resolve is that several playground supporters want it in Block 203 instead of Block 202. Next step for approval is a consent agreement at the Board of Supervisors; first reading on November 22, 2011; second reading on November 29, 2011.
The Board gave a well-deserved ‘Congratulations’ to BoardMember RaneeLan for her exemplary efforts as spokesperson and coordinator for this playground effort.The fundraising portion is still to come; estimated to be $600 thousand.
c. America’s Cup. Bob Harrer updated the Board on the AC34 People Plan and EIR. December 2011 is the target date for EIR certification. Bob had previously emailedto the Board an AC34 Small Business Report. This report contains an excellent overview of the planning being conducted in preparationfor this event.
The Board agreed that a presentation on the America’s Cup races would
be an excellent topic for the BCNA 2012 Annual Meeting.
8. New Business.
a. 8 Washington and the Neighborhood Coalition.This item was discussed as part of 7.a: Old Business.
b. Coalition of
San Francisco Neighborhoods Representation.The Board discussed its policy
of CSFN meeting attendance, whereby a different Board member attends the
monthly meeting. It was agreed this
policy is sound as it gives each Board member exposure to the wider issues
facing San Francisco neighborhoods. The
Board further agreed to evaluate this policy at a future date.
c.Gerry Crowley.Diana Taylor told the Board that
Gerry’s cancer has returned, and that she cannot receive any visitors. The Board acknowledged Gerry’s long-term
continuous help with neighborhood issues and wished her peace in this difficult
time.
9. Approve Next Meeting Dates.
a. Board Meeting. The next Board meeting will be Thursday, January 12, 2012. Start time will be 6:00 pm. Location is to be determined.
b.Sunday Social Event. The next Social Event will be on December 18, 2011 at Barrique Wine Bar at 461 Pacific Avenue. Event will be from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
10. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Bill Benkavitch
Secretary