Board notes: SCNA Board meeting-June 12, 2007

Board previews budget; considers eliminating Flea Market; registers opposition to feasibility study of Broadway Bridge

President's Report
President Dan Murphy reported that the Millennium Developers, who are building a six-story, mixed-use residential/commercial project at 19th Street and Broadway, would like to present their plans to the SCNA Board in July to seek an endorsement. Dan also presented a recommendation from the Executive Committee to appoint Scott Gordinier to an open position on the board and it was unanimously approved.

Treasurer's Report
Treasurer Kathy Davenport presented the board with the budget for FY 2007-08. Sierra 2 expenses are expected to increase overall by $32,000. Over half of the added cost is due to staff increases. The board approved a 2.5% base increase in salary for all employees and $5,000 in merit increases.

In addition, she reported that higher utility costs are expected in 2008 and a janitorial service has been added. The new budget also includes $6,000 for mailing and outreach regarding Curtis Park Village and $71,000 for the capital projects budget, which includes interior painting, energy conservation technology and new carpet for Curtis Hall.

Executive Director's Report
Executive Director Julie Adams-Gerth reported that a 5% increase in rent and a utility charge will be added to tenants' bills. Even with this change, Sierra 2 rental prices remain very competitive.

The Flea Market had fewer vendors this year, while garage sales in the neighborhood increased significantly. The board was asked to consider a neighborhood wide garage sale event next year instead of the Flea Market. The proposal suggests SCNA print a map of houses holding garage sales and set up a neighborhood refreshment stand. The board agreed to notice neighbors of the potential change in the June Viewpoint and make a decision on ending the Flea Market at the July SCNA Board meeting.

Facilities Report
Committee chair John Mathews reported the HVAC system in the theater is now complete and a thank you letter will be sent to Airco for outstanding work on this successful project.

Development Committee
Committee chair Larry Easterling reported SCNA is now using new membership software to track renewals. This year's Music in the Park includes four concerts. The September concert will include local artists selling their work. The committee is considering a redesign of SCNA's Web site at an estimated cost of $1,500. The Home Tour committee is developing criteria for properties to feature on the Home Tour based on historical design.

Neighborhood Concerns Committee
Committee co-chair Rosanna Herber reported the committee voted to send a letter to the City Council in opposition to the feasibility study for the Broadway Bridge because it will not look at all alternatives and not enough outreach has been undertaken. While the committee opposed the feasibility study, no position was taken on the proposed Broadway Bridge.

Teresa Rocha of the Broadway Partnership reported on the upcoming vote to establish a Property Business Improvement District for the Broadway Corridor. Associate member Jason Hill asked the committee to work with him to explore a public art piece for the street area in front of Talyor's Market. Plans for the two way conversion for 21st Street are posted on the SCNA Web site and the committee intends to monitor the impacts of the conversion.

Senior Committee
Committee member Kathleen Babin reported the Senior Center's Life History Writing Class staged a theater presentation entitled "Reading Our Lives" at the 24th Street Theatre. It was a wonderful success, drawing over 100 people and raising $400 for the Senior Center. There was also a feature article about it in The Sacramento Bee and the performance was taped due to a generous donation from Toni Hatfield.

First Friday
The popularity of the First Friday Neighborhood Fling continues to be strong. Committee member Rosanna Herber reported she is leaving the committee and announced that board members Fifi Zeff and Larry Easterling have stepped forward to co-chair the monthly event. The committee continues to look for neighbors to "host" the event by providing volunteers to work the event.

-Submitted by Andrea Rosen
SCNA Secretary

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