Christ Ascension Lutheran Church
Wednesday, June 7, 2006

MINUTES

Executive Committee Members Present:

Lou Aiello (VP Operations), Ed Budnick (At-Large), Janine Dwyer (At-Large), Tom Fleming (At-Large), Jim Foster (At-Large), Nancy Hutter (At-Large), Ned Mitinger (Treasurer), Jane Piotrowski (VP Social Division), Susan Pizzano (VP Physical Division), Ron Recko (President), and Ann Spaeth (Secretary)

Executive Committee Members Absent: none

CHCA Board Members Present: Richard Becker, Ed Feldman, Thomas Hemphill, Dina Hitchcock,
Howard Lesnick, Virginia Mallery, Joseph Pizzano, Jonathan Sternberg, and Walter Sullivan

Others Present: Jennifer Katz (CH Local Listings Editor), Mark Keintz, Kristin Pazulski
(CH Local Staff Writer), Noreen Spota (CHCA Administrative Coordinator), and Kristine Sullivan

The President, Ron Recko, called the meeting to order at 7:34 PM. Noreen Spota was introduced as the new CHCA Administrative Coordinator.

Approval of New Board Members. Ron announced that John Levitties was approved to represent the Chestnut Hill Business Improvement District on the CHCA Board. Also approved were representatives from the Chestnut Hill Senior Services Center (Meredith Sonderskov) and the Water Tower Recreation Center (Gina Sannicandro). There has been one disputed vacant seat on the Board since January, and it is hoped that this seat will be filled by next month. The procedure for this is not specified in the bylaws and discussion of this issue will be done at the next Board meeting.

Establishment of Ad Hoc Oversight Committee. Ron described the need to establish an ad hoc Oversight Committee to address conflicts of interest and proper financial management. Ed Feldman read a description of the proposed committee’s charge and a discussion ensued. To serve as illustration of the need for this committee, information was distributed to the Executive Committee about a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) grant for $10,000 covering the period 7/1/03 to 6/30/06. The members of the Oversight Committee will be Ed Budnick, Ed Feldman, Jim Foster, Martha Haley, and Nancy Hutter. This committee may eventually become a standing committee.

Commerce Bank Update. Jim Foster reported that CHCA had sent an appeal to L&I regarding the bank’s zoning permit. It was explained that the filing deadline for the appeal was May 31 and therefore it had to be filed before Executive Committee approval could be obtained. Construction cannot proceed until a decision has been issued on the appeal.

Report from the Treasurer. Ned Mitinger submitted the following Board Resolution: “Resolved that the Board approves members of the Budget and Finance Committee for the fiscal year June 2006-May 2007. This action is in accord with the Chestnut Hill Community Association Bylaws approved by the general membership at its meeting on April 29, 2004. The members of the Budget and Finance Committee will be: Ned Mitinger, Treasurer, Harry Johnson, Stanley Moat, Judy Morgan, Chris Padova, and Ann Spaeth.” Ned described the committee’s charge. A discussion ensued about the association’s finances and the need to inform the public about its financial status. It was suggested that the monthly financial reports be placed on the CHCA website in pdf format. It was also suggested that each issue of the Local include a “Community Bulletin Board” for CHCA meeting agendas, financial reports, and ads for CHCA events.

Report from Vice President, Social Division. Jane Piotrowski provided an update about the Pastorius Park concert series and AbZoolutely events. Janine Dwyer reported on arrangements for this year’s Black and White Gala.

Report from Vice President, Physical Division. Susan Pizzano stated that the Board should have the minutes from the most recent DRC and LUPZ committee meetings (sent via e-mail). There was discussion of concerns regarding the new Hokka Hokka restaurant, signage at Chestnut Hill Village, the PennDOT repair of Germantown Avenue from Mermaid Lane to Allens Lane, and development at 18 Hilltop Avenue (next to the French bakery).

Report from Vice President of Operations. Lou Aiello stated that the Awards Committee needs one additional member, and Patricia Cove has been asked to serve, subject to Board approval. He also stated that Douglas Doman wishes to complete his term on the Publisher’s Committee, but three other members of the committee expressed no interest in remaining on the committee, which means there are three vacancies. Lou and the CHCA staff are working on updating all of the committee lists. An annual record of Fund Drive income was distributed to the Executive Committee. There has been a significant decline in contributions in the past year ($34,000 compared to $61,500 for 2005-06 and $68,000 for 2004-05).

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Ron announced that Chestnut Hill Local Editor Lea Stanley has resigned effective Tuesday, June 27, 2006, and that Peter Mazzaccaro has been proposed to fill the position. Peter’s resume was distributed to the Executive Committee; the full Board must approve his appointment. A motion was made by Tom Fleming to recommend Peter to the full Board. This motion was seconded and passed unanimously (none opposed, no abstentions). A discussion ensued about various issues related to the Local. It was proposed that an ad hoc committee of people with experience in the newspaper industry be formed to address these issues and to meet monthly with the staff of the Local.

Respectfully submitted,

Noreen M. Spota
CHCA Administrative Coordinator

These minutes were approved by the Executive Committee on 7/13/06.