FOREST HILL ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
NOVEMBER 2, 2009
Board members present: Mel Bachmeier, Katie Balestreri, Kathe Farrell, Dan Kelly, Sally Kipper, Warren Krauss, Diane Wara.
Others in attendance: John Balestreri, Steve Halpern, Walt Farrell, Harold Wright, Anna Bolechowski, Andy Forrest, Jack Buckley, Sima Talai.
Call to order: by President Kelly at 7:03 PM.
Minutes of meetings on October 6, 2009: were approved unanimously with the correction that 'exit signs' under Clubhouse be replaced with 'spot lights.'
Treasurers Report: Sally explained that the large payroll tax withholding payment in April resulted from a retroactive payment of previous quarters that, if done timely, would have been charged to previous fiscal years. That is what accounts for the disproportionate amount of withholding, compared to salary, in the current fiscal year. Under Insurance D&O, the percent of budget spent YTD is 100%, not 2.55%. Under Clubhouse maintenance, YTD is 18%, not 5.44%; Maintenance supplies YTD is 26%, not 0%.
Assorted Questions/comments:
Walt Farrell asked about legal services being pro bono in the past. Warren stated that while he is a lawyer by profession, he acts only as a Director on the Board and not as a lawyer. He does not carry the malpractice insurance required to act as the FHA lawyer. When litigation against the FHA is pending, and a lawyer is needed to represent it in court, the Board retains a lawyer and a firm with malpractice insurance. He is doesn't know of any lawyer with malpractice insurance who will work for no fee.
Harold Wright suggested that the FHA listing in the yellow pages is only under 'Associations,' and should instead be under 'Wedding locations.'
Harold Wright asked if the event managers are covered under Workmen's Compensation. Sally Kipper will check.
Harold Wright commented that bookkeeping and billing services should be farmed out - Dan Kelly: a search is under way; that $18,000 for Computer Services should decrease now that the web site and calendar are in place.
Accounts Receivable: .3% dues have not been collected as yet. Assessed liens remain until homes are sold.
Acceptance of Treasurer's Report was MSP unanimously.
Assessment resolution discussion: Harold Wright stated that no justification for the 50% dues increase has been given. Dan Kelly replied that the maximum increase would be 50%, but it might be less. Possible needs include kitchen renovation, handicapped bathrooms, extensive roof repair, etc.
Jack Buckley suggested that the Association ask for extra donations per family instead of raising dues.
Forest Hill Garden Club: Sima Talai reported that the Oktoberfest was a success with Anna Bolechowski in charge. Katie Balestreri chairs the Holiday Party. The November 16 meeting will feature a Book Sale and Food Drive, the latter to benefit SF Food Bank. She encourages the whole community to participate.
West of Twin Peaks: : Walt Farrell reported that SF Police Chief George Gascon addressed the meeting in a wide-ranging discussion of department reorganization, pot farms in the Sunset district, illegal immigration and car impoundment. Supervisor Sean Elsbernd presented two upcoming projects: reconstruction of the St. Francis Circle intersection and pipe replacement along Junipero Serra Blvd.
Advisory Committee Reports:
Activities: Halloween Party was a success.
Children's Holiday Party: date needs to be checked. There may be a conflict with the Clubhouse.
Architecture: Steve Halpern presented the following report.
96 Sotelo - No objections from neighbors; no change in building height or width.
Warren moved, Sally seconded, passed unanimously.
200 San Marcos - Planning Dept. approved; Building Dept. will review. If FHA objects to garage bedroom, it has 15 days to file objection. Owners and engineer present and asserted that FHA engaged in a 'campaign of harassment' against their planned construction. Dan denied allegations of multiple calls to Planning Dept., as did Steve Halpern. After prolonged discussion, Dan made a motion to not oppose project or file an appeal. Seconded by Warren Krauss, and passed by directors.
160 San Marcos - Revised design to be presented to AR Committee November 9.
341 Pacheco - DBI will not act on widened stairs and driveway, despite no permit. FHA will not pursue action.
44 Mendoza - Enforcement Planner will contact owner and contractor to modify wall.
99 Magellan - No action by DBI
15 Castaneda - Fence OK; to be dropped from 'list.'
21 Castaneda - Landscaping now OK; to be dropped from 'list.'
486 Dewey - Sheds modified to comply with code; to be dropped from 'list.'
150 Alton, 441 Magellan, 260 Dorantes - If Outreach Meetings (new pre-application procedure of Planning Committee) held, no change in plans, and no objections by neighbors, Steve will sign comment sheet signifying FHA approval of the projects, referring to the Board's letter.
Clubhouse: A homeowner requested free use of the Clubhouse for a non-profit. It was decided that the only free use of the facility should be for the benefit of all the community.
Infrastructure: One person has requested Slurry cleanup, which has been scheduled.
Dan conducted 'walk-through' of neighborhood with 2 engineers to determine street repairs, which would be part of the next bond package. Dan wants a comprehensive survey done in preparation.
Landscape: Diane Ware reported that storm cleanup has been finished; however, the cleanup has delayed the pruning schedule.
A permit for removal of the 15 Mesa tree has been applied for.
Legal: Warren Krauss announced that Capt. Denise Schmidt at Taraval Station has replaced Capt. Chignel.
Announcements: A deer with antlers has been spied on Mendoza.
Adjournment: 9:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathe Farrell
