Christ Ascension Lutheran Church
Thursday, October 12, 2006

MINUTES

Executive Committee Members Present:

Janine Dwyer (At-Large), Tom Fleming (At-Large), Jim Foster (At-Large), Tom Hemphill
(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: Lou Aiello (VP Operations) and Maxine Dornemann
(Immediate Past President)

CHCA Board Members Present: Bob Bacino, Ed Feldman, Dina Hitchcock, Howard Lesnick,
John Levitties, Joe Pizzano, Meredith Sonderskov, and Jonathan Sternberg

Others Present: Peg Baeder, Ed Budnick (Interim Community Manager), Mike Hickey (State Farm),
Richard Maloumian (Aesthetics Committee Chair), Pete Mazzaccaro (CH Local Editor), Paul Roller, and Noreen Spota (CHCA Administrative Coordinator)

Ron Recko called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Ann Spaeth conducted the roll call.

Approval of Meeting Minutes. The minutes from the Executive Committee meetings held on August 10, 2006 and September 14, 2006 were approved with revisions provided by Nancy Hutter.

Composition of Bylaws Committee. Ann stated that there is no way to establish who is currently a member of the Bylaws Committee because existing documentation is contradictory. Some people who think they are on the committee are not necessarily members (for example, the terms of Walter Sullivan and Tolis Vardakis were not defined). On the other hand, Dina Hitchcock stated that the membership of eight out of 10 of the committee members could be documented. Since there was still disagreement, Janine Dwyer volunteered to work with Ann and Dina to work out a solution. Jim Foster offered a motion that Ann, Dina, and Janine would work together to resolve this issue prior to the next Board meeting (October 26). This motion was seconded by Tom Fleming and approved.

Community Fund Drive. Ron stated that Chestnut Hill Hospital has agreed to match up to $10,000 of the CHCA Board’s contributions to the Fund. Tom Fleming, this year’s Fund Drive Chair, reported that he hopes to raise $100,000, consisting of $10,000 from the Board, $10,000 matching funds from Chestnut Hill Hospital, $40,000 from the membership, and $40,000 from major donors. Utilizing publicity in the Local, the plan is to generate enthusiasm for the programs that need support from the Fund.

Board Training. Ron reported that only about half of the Board members attended the training session conducted by the La Salle University Nonprofit Center on October 4. There are currently 50 Board members: 36 Directors At-Large, six Institutional Directors, four Interlocking Directors, three Student Directors, and one Past President Director. Some feel that the CHCA Board is too large and that ways to decrease the number of Board members should be considered. Susan Pizzano suggested that the Board consider implementation of “district representation” and Joe Pizzano suggested that attendance at Board meetings should be more closely monitored. (Any Board member who has more than four “unexplained absences” in a fiscal year is automatically removed from the Board.)

Bowman Property Signs. Ron opened a discussion regarding the Bowman Property signs, stating that each person would be permitted two comments on the subject. Both Jim Foster and Susan Pizzano contacted Licenses and Inspections as soon as the numerous signs appeared on the same day as the AbZOOlutely unveiling (Saturday, September 16). It was discovered that no L&I permits were obtained, and therefore the signs appear to be illegal. It was also noted that Bowman Properties owes over $36,000 in back dues to the Business Improvement District. Ron reported that he sent a letter to the L&I Commissioner expressing the concerns of CHCA. Ed Feldman stated his belief that this issue has not been adequately addressed by the Business Association and the BID, and urged that further discussions need to be conducted openly. He made the following proposals: 1) that an attorney be engaged to explore legal remedies regarding removal of the signs; 2) that a sheriff’s sale be considered for the properties under liens for the non-payment of BID dues; 3) that Bowman property tenants, who have been caught in the middle of this dispute, be contacted with offers of support from the CHCA; and 4) that the CHCA continue to fight for a free press. (Bowman’s managing partner Richard Snowden has demanded a public apology to appear on “page one, above the fold” in the Local for various articles dating back to 2001.) The strong consensus of the Executive Committee was that CHCA will not tell the Local what to print. Various EC members expressed the opinion that in the past, Snowden received much positive recognition for his contributions to Chestnut Hill, but apparently he feels that he has not received adequate recognition and that therefore this is a respect issue. A meeting will be conducted very soon with Snowden and selected representatives from the CHCA. Bob Bacino urged that the Historical Society be included in ongoing discussions and Nancy Hutter emphasized that the CHCA Board needs to be fully informed during this process so that decisions can be made at the upcoming Board meeting about how to resolve this conflict and bring about removal of the signs.

Report from Treasurer. Ned Mitinger reported that documentation is being prepared for the imminent audits of the CHCA, Local, and Fund. He is preparing a report (which will be sent via e-mail) on the invoices that are currently outstanding. The Budget and Finance Committee will meet on Thursday, October 19 to discuss the budget for the Local. A guide to understanding the CHCA, Fund, and Local monthly financial statements was distributed to the Executive Committee members.

Report from Vice President, Social Division. Jane Piotrowski provided updates on preparations for the Holiday House Tour and ongoing AbZOOlutely events.

Report from Vice President, Physical Division. Susan Pizzano reported on her meeting with Development Review Committee Co-Chairs Larry McEwen and Greg Woodring and LUPZ Co-Chair Patrick McGranaghan to discuss various compromises regarding streamlining of the review process. Noting the overlapping membership of the DRC and LUPZ, and complaints from homeowners and business owners about the repetitive, time-consuming, and in some cases expensive review process, Susan expressed her belief that there does not apprear to be a serious attempt to streamline the process, and that the Board is not informed about why a particular application to the DRC has been accepted or rejected. Janine Dwyer noted that taking the time to consider proposals is worthwhile because neighbors have the opportunity to provide input; others expressed the view that only the LUPZ (a standing committee) is necessary. No action was taken by the Executive Committee regarding this issue.

Report from Vice President of Operations. Ann Spaeth circulated a report prepared by Lou Aiello on the debt structure of the CHCA, Fund, and Local, indicating debts totaling approximately $558,000. According to the report, the CHCA and Fund currently pay $60,000 per year servicing various loans. Ed Budnick distributed his financial analysis of 8431 Germantown Avenue (a property owned by the Fund), including rental income, expenses, mortgages/loans, sale analysis/investment returns, and net influence on cash flow. If the debt (on this building only) is paid off and the proceeds from the sale of the building are invested in a CD at 5.25%, the net influence on cash flow would be $43,000 per year. The Fund Trustees have asked for a statement from the CHCA Board regarding whether the building will be used for community purposes. If not, the Trustees would recommend that the building be sold. Tom Fleming offered a motion that the Executive Committee recommend to the full Board that the building should be sold. This motion was seconded by Susan Pizzano. Ann Spaeth suggested that the building be sold with covenants (conditions) and that perhaps the Historical Society would be interested in preparing them. Tom then amended his motion to include the formation of a sub-committee to prepare covenants for the sale. This motion was seconded and approved unanimously, with none opposed and no abstentions.

Ed Budnick reported that the staff of the Local wishes to upgrade its Ricoh copier at an increased cost of $50 per month over the current lease. As part of the deal, $500 of prior debt will be forgiven and a $1,500 printer will be provided at no charge. Since the total amount of the lease is greater than $25,000, approval must be obtained from the Board according to the new policy. Tom Fleming offered a motion to approve the new contract. This motion was seconded by Ann Spaeth and was approved unanimously, with none opposed and no abstentions. Ed Budnick also reported that he was in the process of interviewing candidates for the bookkeeper position and that he hopes to fill the position by the end of October. This person will work 24 hours per week and therefore be eligible for fringe benefits.

AbZOOlutely Duck. This controversial duck, designed by artist Ed Feldman, is owned by the Chestnut Hill District and was co-sponsored by the CHCA with funds provided by the Executive Committee. Ed promised to return the duck to the Business Association office on Friday, October 13. He asked whether he will be required to remove the words “Duck Snowden” and will the duck be auctioned along with the other animals. Ed Budnick distributed copies of the AbZOOlutely Chestnut Hill Artists’ Application and Agreement and stated that Ed Feldman will restore the duck to its original condition (i.e., the words “Duck Snowden” will be removed).

Oversight Committee. Jim Foster stated that this committee had nothing new to report.

New Business. Tom Hemphill noted that due to Commerce Bank construction, handicapped access to the R8 (Chestnut Hill West) train station is currently blocked. Ed Budnick stated that this issue shall be resolved in the near future. Ann Spaeth offered a motion that CHCA should support the various Philadelphia community organizations which have joined together to form “Neighborhood Defense,” a coalition dedicated to preserving the right of community organizations to influence land use, zoning, and planning in the city. This motion was seconded by Janine Dwyer and approved unanimously, with none opposed and no abstentions.

After an Executive Session, during which personnel matters were discussed, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Ann Ward Spaeth
CHCA Secretary

Minutes prepared by Noreen Spota, CHCA Administrative Coordinator, and approved by the Executive Committee on 11/9/06.