Chestnut Hill Library
Thursday, November 30, 2006

MINUTES

Board Members Present:

Bob Bacino, Jane Becker, Dick Becker, Tia Burke, Maryanna Ross Cowper, Joanne Dhody, Maxine Dornemann, Marianne Dwyer, Ed Feldman, Tom Fleming, Jim Foster, Jim Gleason, Stewart Graham, Jeremy Heep, Tom Hemphill, Dina Hitchcock, Nancy Hutter, Kathy Jones, Bright Judson, Marie Lachat, Howard Lesnick, John Levitties, Virginia Mallery, Sarah Maneely, Janice Manzi, Anne McNally, Ned Mitinger, Stan Moat, John O’Connell, Chris Padova, Jane Piotrowski, Joe Pizzano, Susan Pizzano, Ron Recko, Meredith Sonderskov, Ann Spaeth, Frank Steel, Jonathan Sternberg, Kristina Sullivan, Walter Sullivan, Lisa Sullivan-Mancuso, and Sister Carol Jean Vale

Board Members Excused: Elaine Aiello, Lou Aiello, Janine Dwyer, Matt Engebrethson, and
George Roitzsch

Board Members Absent: Carol Cope, Kip Powell, and Gina Sannicandro

Others Present: Ed Budnick (Interim Community Manager), Mark Keintz, Pete Mazzaccaro
(CH Local Editor), Judy Morgan, Bob Previdi (CH Business Association Executive Director), Eileen Reynolds, and Noreen Spota (CHCA Administrative Coordinator)

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

Approval of Agenda. Ron Recko recognized Dina Hitchcock, who offered a motion that we make it our practice at this meeting and all meetings in the future to vote on the agenda at the outset of the meeting. The motion was seconded by Maryanna Ross Cowper. Susan Pizzano stated that we owe it to the public not to change the agenda from that which is published in the Local, since people rely on that to know what business we are dealing with at a meeting so they can have input on those issues that concern them. An extended discussion followed, with some expressing that it was unnecessary and was in conflict with another bylaw that we are required to publish the agenda in the Local at least seven days prior to the meeting. Many felt it would delay dealing with pressing matters before the Board. Jim Foster said the published agenda allows community members to express their views to those of us on the Board who are to represent them. Joe Pizzano said it was his understanding that our bylaws supercede Robert’s Rules in this matter. Anyone can add a subject under “New Business.” Nancy Hutter offered a motion to call the previous question; this motion (requiring 2/3 to pass) was approved unanimously. Dina’s original motion to approve the agenda at the beginning of each meeting passed, with 21 in favor and 14 opposed.

Election of Fund Trustees. Nancy Hutter offered a motion to strike the Action Item “Election of Fund Trustees” from the agenda, as this subject was raised at the Executive Committee meeting held on November 9, 2006, and was then tabled until the December 14, 2006 Executive Committee meeting. Nancy felt the Board was insufficiently prepared to vote on the candidates at this time and indicated that there were other people who had expressed interest in serving as a Trustee. As part of her motion, she proposed that “the President appoint an impartial committee to review the names and qualifications of those submitted and develop a slate of nominees (number to be decided) at the Executive Committee’s January meeting. The Board would then vote on a fully vetted slate for Fund Trustees at the January Board meeting.” Ron Recko agreed that the “Election of Trustees” could be postponed until the January Board meeting. Nancy amended her original motion, adding that the agenda as modified by Ron (deleting “Election of Fund Trustees”) should be approved. This motion passed unanimously, with one abstention (Ed Feldman).

Search Committee Agenda Item. A motion was offered by Maryanna Ross Cowper to make the agenda item regarding the Search Committee for a permanent Community Manager an Action Item. After some discussion, Tom Fleming called the question; this motion (requiring 2/3 to pass) was approved, with 29 in favor, 2 opposed, and 3 abstentions. Maryanna’s original motion was seconded by Virginia Mallery and passed, with 25 in favor, 10 opposed, and 1 abstention.

Approval of Minutes. The minutes from the Board meeting held on October 26, 2006 were approved as submitted.

Community Fund Drive. Ron Recko reported that 26 out of the 50 Board members have contributed to the Fund Drive, for a total of about $8,600 so far. He reiterated that we need to raise at least $10,000 in order to receive a matching contribution from Chestnut Hill Hospital. Contributions from the Board ranged from $40 to $1,000. Tom Fleming said this was not a good showing from the Board because 100 percent participation is crucial in order to raise a total of $100,000 from the community. He suggested that every Board member personally contact one or two other people to ask for donations, and he offered to match up to $1,000 if needed to reach the $10,000 goal from the Board.

Bowman Properties. Ron Recko met with Richard Snowden and Dick Doyle (of the ad-hoc committee) regarding the signs. Ron read the following letter dated November 26 from Dick Doyle: “Thank you for meeting with the Ad-Hoc Committee members prior to the Committee meeting on November 25 , 2006. Your comments, including clarifications, were well-received and your expressions of continued support of the Committee appreciated. At the beginning of the meeting I read a letter addressed to me as Chairperson of the Committee from Richard Snowden dated November 21, 2006. Mr. Snowden, who had planned to attend the Committee meeting, advised that, on advice of legal counsel, he decided to postpone meeting with the Committee until no earlier than Saturday, December 2, 2006. Mr. Snowden was to have provided initial information to the Committee regarding outstanding conflicting issues. Mr. Snowden advised that on November 19th the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections again cited Bowman Properties for advertising its buildings for lease. Finally Mr. Snowden advised continued interest in working with the Committee and suggested meeting on Saturday, December 2, 2006. Upon review of Mr. Snowden’s letter, the Committee unanimously agreed to advise the Board of the CHCA that the proceedings of the Committee have not yet commenced review of substantive matters due to delayed meeting with Richard Snowden. The Committee has met diligently on three occasions since its formation in October, in spite of frustration at the delays it has encountered. The Committee continues to maintain a positive attitude toward the objectives assigned to it by the agreement executed by Ron Recko, President CHCA and Richard Snowden, Managing Partner of Bowman Properties. Finally, the Committee believes it is an appropriate forum for review of the extant issues and is capable of assisting the parties in resolving their respective differences. The Committee recommends continuing to meet and will look forward to meeting Mr. Snowden on December 2, 2006. Sincerely, Dick Doyle”

Before taking questions, Ron commented on the initial draft statement of the agreement, which was prepared by Dick Doyle. In that draft statement, there was no mention that at the meeting all believed concerns about the Local are “serious, credible, and require review.” However, the agreement that Ron signed did contain that statement, and he apologized for having signed that agreement because his purpose in forming this committee was to determine whether the concerns about the Local are serious, credible, and require review. Ron stated that he was told was that the only thing changed from the original draft of the compromise agreement that he signed was that Richard Snowden wanted to replace his name with that of Bowman Properties. Ron stated that had he noticed the addition of this phrase regarding the Local, he would not have signed the agreement. He went to the Committee and told them this was not his intent and not the intent of the CHCA Board.

Tom Fleming (a member of the committee charged with resolving the conflict between Richard Snowden and the CHCA/Local) offered a motion that we support the committee’s efforts at least through their meeting to be held on December 2. This motion was seconded by Kathy Jones (another member of the committee). In the ensuing discussion, Joe Pizzano stated he did not see what we could offer Mr. Snowden because he wants to alter the Local’s policy and we cannot do that. Jim Foster suggested that we support the Business Association’s efforts to resolve the conflict and Jane Becker suggested that we engage a mediator. After further discussion, Kathy Jones called the question; this was seconded by several people and passed unanimously. An amendment was offered to discontinue CHCA’s support of this committee if Richard Snowden does not attend the December 2 meeting. This amendment was defeated along with Ed Feldman’s motion for a roll call vote. Kathy Jones offered an amendment to allow the committee to work through the January 25 Board of Directors meeting. This amendment was seconded by Tom [Fleming?] and passed with 4 opposed and no abstentions.

Search Committee for a Permanent Community Manager. A motion was offered by Maryanna Ross Cowper to appoint a Search Committee for a permanent Community Manager immediately. This motion was seconded by Kathy Jones. After some discussion, Chris Padova called the question; this passed with 20 voting in favor, 8 opposed, and 1 abstention. Maryanna’s motion to form the Search Committee passed with 25 voting in favor, 4 opposed, and 2 abstentions. After further discussion, the following people were approved by the Board to serve on the committee: Lou Aiello, Stewart Graham, Jeremy Heep, Howard Lesnick, Ned Mitinger, John O’Connell, Bob Previdi, and Meredith Sonderskov. The vote was 26 in favor, 1 opposed, and 2 abstentions. It was decided that the Committee would select its own chairperson. Anne McNally suggested we get professional assistance as the Business Association had done in their search for an Executive Director. She said it had been very helpful in reviewing candidates and formulating the job description.

Variance Request for 24 West Willow Grove Avenue. Susan Pizzano, Vice President of the Physical Division, reported that a variance request for a deck and fence on this property had already been approved by the Development Review Committee (DRC) and the Land Use, Planning, and Zoning Committee (LUPZ). She asked for Board approval for these variances; the motion for approval was seconded and passed.

Report from Interim Community Manager. Ed Budnick reported he had been contacted by Tom (“Chip”) Butler, Chairperson of the Trustees, confirming that they will proceed to advertise the 8431 Germantown Avenue building for sale, without going through a broker. The Trustees will select the buyer. The goal is to have an offer in hand by December 31, 2006, but the sale would not be completed by the end of the year. There will be a period of two or three weeks during which people can put in their bids.

Report from Vice President of Social Division. Jane Piotrowski reported that the Chestnut Hill Community Fund will receive approximately $29,000 to $30,000 from AbZOOlutely. Thanks and appreciation were offered to Jane Piotrowski and Tom Hemphill for all of their efforts to make AbZOOlutely such a huge success. Jane then encouraged members of the Board to attend the Holiday House Tour, which will be held on Saturday, December 9. At this point the meeting was extended by 10 minutes.

Report from Treasurer. Ned Mitinger indicated that the CHCA budget may have a deficit this year because it was originally assumed that the proceeds from AbZOOlutely would go to the Association, not to the Fund. Ned reported on the $15,000 state grant being used to repair the tree lights along Germantown Avenue, and he announced that the next Budget and Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 11. Financial reports as of October 31, 2006 were distributed for the Association, Fund, and Local.

Report from Vice President of Physical Division. Susan Pizzano presented the following new committee members for Board approval: architect Steve Gendler for the LUPZ, designer Patricia Cove representing the Aesthetics Committee on the DRC, and Bridget Chadwick for the Traffic, Transportation, and Parking Committee. These appointments were approved. Susan said we are looking for people who are interested in serving on the Aesthetics and TT&P committees; Nancy Hutter suggested that we place a notice in the Local encouraging people to volunteer.

Report from the Vice President of Operations. A written report prepared by Lou Aiello was distributed in his absence which provided updates regarding the Bylaws Committee, the formation of an Election Procedures Committee, and other subjects.

Announcement. Chris Padova reported that the bridge at the Allens Lane Station (Chestnut Hill West train line) is in serious disrepair and dangerous. He asked whether we can work with the West Mt. Airy Neighbors to urge that SEPTA repair the bridge. Ron Recko stated that this is already in their budget.

Having run out of time, the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ann Ward Spaeth
CHCA Secretary

Approved by the Board of Directors on 1/25/07.