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Meeting Minutes for 10/7/2008: Present – Jerry Murphy, Rosemarie Swisshelm Bonnington, Kim Porte, David Ramos, Ron Delp, Candy Zimmerman, Lisa Cowley, Anne Garris, Ellie Holmes, Pat Power, Allan Avery, Sue Johnson Absent – Ross Concklin, Mara Basic, Patrick Gallager Members Present - Ray Massieu, Jay Keyes, Suzanne Boschen, Anne Marie Krzesinski, Mr. Bonnington, John Doran (City Commissioner and CBA member) Guests – District One Commander James Steffens and Officer Scott Ballard Quorum was determined and the meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. The meeting opened with a welcome to our guests. Officer Steffens greeted us and introduced Officer Scott Ballard. Officer Steffens said that he had had the opportunity to take an ATV and familiarize himself with the North Beach bird nesting areas and the far north area of Caladesi Island. He stated that Ironman was in full swing and that Pier 60 would be closed as of Saturday the 6th of November. He told us that there would be less disruption to traffic flow this year as the Roundabout should not be closed for any length of time as it had in previous years. He introduced Officer Ballard who told us that he was newly assigned to the beach and was planning to be a familiar face in the community. We welcomed him and the officers asked if anyone had questions. A few followed concerning a recent assault to a female jogger. He said an arrest had been made. Another question concerning noise disturbances and the guidelines to enforcing this ordinance were discussed. The officers were thanked for their time. COMMITTEE REPORTS Friends of the Library – Pat was invited to start the discussion with an update on the Library/Rec Center. She said that the Halloween party was a big success for the kids. Ten volunteers assisted with crafts, storytelling and games. She stated that even with the hours reduced to mornings only; library volunteers are still needed but especially on Wednesdays. Pat stated that she noticed a need at the Recreation Center for something to attract the neighborhood kids in and keep them entertained. She suggested raising money to purchase a “Wii” System which is an interactive game system enjoyed by all ages of children and many adults. Pat proposed the idea of a Tour of Homes for a fundraiser which would involve a team effort with the Friends of the Library and CBA and a discussion followed. She stated that she had gathered information regarding a possible “Tour of Homes” in April of 2009. She stated that she would need help from CBA with regards to the 20-50 volunteers that would be needed to successfully plan and carry out this event. She stated that funds raised could be split, thereby benefitting both groups. Jerry stated that he would like to leave this project to the incoming Board in January. Pat stated that this would be too late to assure the April 09 date that she was proposing. Discussion followed with board members supporting the need that action needed to take place well before January 2009. Motions were verbalized and discussed and finally submitted by Ron in a formal motion stating that Pat would submit a written proposal within 7 days by email to the directors who would then have 7 days to respond with their comments. The motion was seconded by Candy. More discussion followed. Golf Tournament/Tampa Bay Harvest – Jay was invited to address us on a proposal from Tampa Bay Harvest requesting that we release the money originally proposed in 2007 for the purchase of the refrigerated van. In these changing times they state that the funds are now needed for operational purposes rather than for the purchase of the van. He stated that other funds that are available through grants can be spent on the van or a trailer that is now needed. He stated that these grant funds cannot be spent for operational purposes (salaries, utilities) while our funds are not subject to these restrictions. A lengthy discussion followed with board members wanting assurance from Jay that these operational expenses would be met in future months by others. We were also assured that CBA would still see its name on the van or trailer that would be purchased. Discussion also covered our concern that the money could be spent in this way rather than for the purchase of the van. It was decided that a motion needed to be made to cancel the original motion made in March of 2007. A motion was made by Ron to rescind all previous motions in regards to purchasing a refrigerated van with the proceeds from Golf Tournaments due to the fact that Tampa Bay Harvest was going to use grant money for this purchase and was requesting our funds be spent for operational purposes. The motion was seconded by Allan Avery. A vote was taken to rescind the previous 2007 motion and passed. A new motion by Allan Avery, stating that assuming we have the authority to move the $14,000 which was previously allocated for the purchase of the refrigerated truck for Tampa Bay Harvest for delivery of temperature sensitive foods he would then move that we donate the $14,000 to Tampa Bay Harvest to be used for operational purposes. The motion was seconded by Lisa. More discussion followed. It was felt that operational expenses were an ongoing expense. Ron informed us that these moneys would cover expenses for approximately three months which would allow them the time they needed to raise additional funds for ongoing operational expenses. Jay assured us that he was confident that future donations would materialize. Some directors were concerned that the money would not be spent on concrete items. Concerns were still voiced to the idea that we could change the intended purpose of the money. Others discussed that the money was to go to Tampa Bay Harvest and could be spent as they felt necessary as these needs had now reached a critical status. It was stated that Jay had been instrumental in the success of the two golf tournaments and the raising of the funds and that his opinions on this issue should carry much weight. A vote was taken and the motion passed. October Minutes – as posted on the Website were accepted. Note was made that there had been some difficulties this past month with the receiving of the Minutes by the Directors and their posting on the website was delayed but we were eventually successful! Treasurer's Report - was presented by David. He discussed the need to transfer CBA funds into the Foundation account to pay expenses related to maintaining Acacia Circle and Triangle Park. A motion was made by Ron to transfer approximately $6000. from funds held at Suntrust Bank in the CBA account to the Foundation account for this purpose. Rosemarie seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed. Dave mentioned the need to raise funds for both CBA and Foundation needs. Membership – 130 households are currently members, note was made that 2008 is the last year of the experiment with “three years for the price of two.” Dues for 2009 will remain $25.00 per year unless changed at the annual meeting. Along these lines Jerry also mentioned that CBA and its members would continue to work with neighboring groups for common interests. Beautification – Candy proposed that she would purchase 50 small American flags to be place around Acacia Circle in honor of Veterans Day. The board supported her and thanked her for her efforts. Jerry encouraged everyone to display Flags at their homes. Charter and By-Laws – Some changes have been made and work continues CAN Awards – CBA received two awards totaling $2,250 this year. We received the 2nd Place Mayor’s Award and the award for Attending the most City Meetings. Ron thanked his entire committee (Candy Zimmerman, Ray Massieu, Sandy Britton, Lois Davis, Susanne MacNamee and Jerry Murphy and others) He stated that next year more attention should be paid to creativity. He thanked Candy for her involvement in implementing the “Pelican Theme” to this year’s submission and recommended her to Chair the committee next year. She accepted. Short Term Rentals – Ron reported that the committee had met with city representatives on 10/06/08. 779 Eldorado has been issued a “Tax Receipt” to rent that property for less than the 31 day minimum allowed by the city code. This, in effect, grants that property “Non-conforming status.” When CBA discovered this, our Executive Committee objected vigorously to The City Manager and City Attorney. We asked that the Tax receipt be revoked and, at least, apply the newly published policy standards to that property. The City Manager refused our request. The city and CBA after much discussion agreed to disagree on this matter. The committee recommended that the right tools and processes needed to be in place in order to collect information and to prove violations and hand out punishments. They feel this will be necessary to make the removal of nonconforming status possible on any of the 32 properties involved. The City agreed to meet and discuss this. Another meeting was held with the City on Nov. 3, 2008 and plans are being made for another meeting to resolve what actions could be implemented by the City. Most of the “Most Important Business” was not discussed because there was no time to do so. Jerry Murphy is considering a “Special Meeting” around 19 or 20 November to debate and decide upon The Friends proposal for a Tour of Homes fundraiser. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully,
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