FOREST HILL ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
OCTOBER 5, 2009


Board members present: Dan Kelly, Warren Krauss, Mel Bachmeier, Kathe Farrell

Others in attendance: Irwin Phillips, Alessandra Zarate-Sanderlin, Loma and Jack McNulty, Steve Halpern, Sima and Mike Talai, Rigo Cabezas, Harold Wright, Walt Farrell, Anna Bolechowski, Peter Gochis, Dottie McHugh, Michael and Gretchen Harrison, Christine Falvey from DPW, John Kim from AHI Contractors.

Call to order: by President Kelly at 7:02 PM.

Minutes of meetings on August 2, 2009, and September 8, 2009: Approved unanimously.



Presentation of the Slurry Project: Christine Falvey presented an overview of the street-resurfacing project scheduled to begin October 6. The DPW is able to carry out the project with the help of the Federal Stimulus Package. Every San Francisco street is inspected every two years and graded. Average score is 64, with most Forest Hill streets judged at 71. John Kim reported that the Slurry project is considered preventive maintenance, which should delay complete re-surfacing for several years. Dan had petitioned for relaxation of two hour parking restrictions for the duration of the project, and it was granted. However, street cleaning restrictions remain in effect.


Treasurers Report: In the absence of the Treasurer, Dan presented a proposed resolution (to be placed on file in the FHA office) to increase FHA dues to $0.0850 per square foot of lots. This is an increase of 50%. Heated discussion followed citing lack of a current Treasurer's Report. Dan explained that the resolution is being introduced at this meeting to allow notice to be sent to homeowners within 10 days and two regularly scheduled meetings to be held, the latter of which to allow formal adoption of the resolution. After further discussion, it was moved by Warren, seconded by Mel, and passed unanimously, to approve the resolution and schedule formal adoption for the January 4, 2010 meeting.

Legal: Warren announced that the retained FHA attorney, Roger Sleight, has arranged for and recommended FHA's withdrawal from participation in the suit involving FHA easement rights in the Glass-Baum lawsuit, with stipulations that 1) any property interests of FHA would not be affected by any resolution of the litigation; 2) FHA would waive any claims against Glass-Baum for expenses; 3) FHA would be dismissed from the litigation without prejudice. Acceptance of these stipulations for dismissal from the case was moved by Mel, seconded by Kathe, and approved unanimously. Copy of official stipulation will be placed on file at the FHA office.

WTPCC: Walt Farrell reported on the recent meeting. Mivic Hirose, new Director of Laguna Honda Hospital, announced the coming completion of the hospital buildings and the moving in process. A representative of the Municipal Transit Authority, previously scheduled to appear to explain plans for increasing hours of meter use, cancelled his appearance, but the group did not cancel discussion of the proposed changes, with the result that the WTPCC Board will send a letter outlining its nonsupport for the MTA proposal. City Treasurer Jose Cisneros addressed the group on taxation methods.

FHGC: Sima Talai, President, announced the Garden Club Fall Party, October Fest, for October 30. The Holiday Party, to be held December 7, will cost $50/person, a reduction from past years. The November 16 meeting will be a community service event, collecting food for The Food Bank. Spring plans for community service involve collecting toiletries for the Battered Women's Shelter. She indicated dismay over a recent email, listing groups, including the Garden Club, as not maintaining cleanliness in the Clubhouse, and emphasized the group's attention to detail in cleaning up after events. She, however, also requested access to Clubhouse cleaning materials, including garbage bags, brooms, etc. instead of bringing equipment from members' stores. She, in addition, mentioned the need for improved communication with the Boy Scouts. Sima then introduced Dottie McHugh who spoke on Garden Club proposals regarding CH garden care. The group continues to maintain responsibility for the hanging baskets and beds surrounding the doors, but would like to suggest that the Garden Club and Parents' Group, in cooperation with the Landscape Committee, work on establishing a sustainable garden for the area made sunnier by the recent tree removal. Dan suggested that the Garden Club and Parents' Group make a concrete proposal to the Landscape Committee in preparation for discussion at the next FHA Board Meeting. Dottie also recommended that Valley Crest look at an additional tree behind the shed that looks questionable. Finally, a request was made to get larger indoor "garbage" cans and color-code them.

Advisory Committee Reports:

Architecture: Steve Halpern reported on the following properties.

  1) 160 San Marcos: The developer originally indicated that 1600yd3 of soil would be removed, and Steve has calculated much more. He recommended that FHA take a closer look at the project, since the Planning Department has decided to conduct a formal Environmental Review (to be placed on file in the FHA office). The main issues include: many trucks, with associated curb and median damage, noise, dust; possible damage to trees secondary to diversion of groundwater; concerns about hillside stability. Deadline for comments is October 8. A letter indicating neighborhood concerns will be sent to Dan for his OK.

  2) 200 San Marcos: A FHA letter was sent to Planning Dept. objecting to garage bedroom. Enforcement Planner was scheduled to discuss with Zoning Administrator today with unknown result.

  3) 44 Mendoza: Tall fence - Planner is sending a final notice about penalties, but owner has been given notice of loan default, not from Planner.

  4) 21 Castaneda: Landscaping requirement has been met.

  5) 15 Castaneda: Owners have agreed to "do something" about ugly fence.

  6) 99 Magellan: No inspections have been made to evaluate illegal deck and parking slab.

  7) 486 Dewey: Owners have agreed with Steve to make corrections in backyard regarding shed and an open garden structure.

  8) 344 Pacheco: FHA has filed a complaint with DBI about the insufficient landscaping. No inspections have been concluded as yet.

  9) 441 Magellan: A project approved 5/04/09 needs FHA approval. Steve will draft a letter.

Clubhouse: Harold Wright complained about the newly installed spotlights being out of character for the Clubhouse and needing a permit. Dan will ask Steve Cohen to check on the permit situation.
Dan announced that 80 hamburgers and hot dogs were consumed at the Hall picnic. Decorations will be used for the Halloween Party, which Bill Gray and Tessa O'Leary will chair. The FHA will cover refreshments for this event, which will be held October 31 from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

Landscaping: Fall pruning will begin next week. The consultant suggested by Harold Wright, Ed Brennan, recommended removal of the 15 Mesa tree. FHA will get 2 estimates for removal - one from Valley Crest.

Legal (Continued): Warren stated that he is still trying to get FHA insurance to cover the second tree removal on the CH property.

Announcements: The Planning Department currently allows wind turbines with the limitation that they be no more than 10 ft. higher than the maximum allowable height of the building.
Mike Talai complained about noise of newspaper deliverer's radio and leaf blowers at early hours. Dan recommended finding out which newspaper is being delivered and making a complaint, and perhaps talk with neighbors whose gardener is using noisy equipment.

Adjournment: 8:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathe Farrell