RCPC
ROCKRIDGE COMMUNITY PLANNING COUNCIL
94618 ◊ 510 • 869-9200◊ www.rockridge.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING OCTOBER Minutes –Thursday, October 5, 2006, 7:30 PM Rockridge Library
◊ 5245 COLLEGE AVENUE PMB 311 ◊ OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
Present: G Bruce, J.Cavanagh, J. Edmister, A. Floystrup, H. Kurihara, S. Montauk, M. McDonald, S. Meyer, M. Taylor, J. Pitt, S. Upp Absent: C. Gulassa, K. Deverell, A. Hussian Item 1: Administrative A) Motion to approve minutes of September 7, 2006 BOD Meeting (M: Susan, S: Stephanie, Abstain: Janelle, Gloria, all approve) B) Motion to elect Gloria/Janelle to share role of secretary. (M: Mike M. S: Steve, all approve) Item 2: Financial A) Update - In the black, have not spent projections to date. Item 3: Rockridge News A) Business Manager Report – Increase in printer cost by $200 per month B) November - Second Story Story by Mike M, Pre-Schools by Jennifer, suggestion by Stephanie to do a regular “meet your neighbor” issue, Traffic Report, Frogfest, Birch Court Pillars C) Layout/Design Discussion. Proposal by Stephanie to form an ad-hoc committee to discuss possible new look of Rockridge New. Don Kinkead will definitely be part of this discussion Item 4: Land Use Committee A) Update on current projects i. Annette will look into talking to Oakland Planning department about doing research for CUPs on College Ave. She will determine if an investment would be worthwhile. Currently we are being told that an intern could look into it for $80 per hour. ii. Coldwell Banker permits for Montclair were turned down. This upholds C-31. iii. No word on Albertsons. B) Letters of Concern regarding ULTRA [In this spot on agenda, but discussed in an earlier spot] i. Reading of letters by Christine Acker/Margaret Wahlberg and Eileen Levin ii. Discussion of disclosure – It has been disclosed. It was generally known among the board and notifying land use was an oversight. The Rockridge News article did not identify Hiroko as a contact member because the editorial board did not want it to appear that the RCPC endorsed the views of ULTRA. A notice similar to this will appear in the next Rockridge News. iii. Discussion of conflict of interest. Motion: “At the current time, the chair of the Land Use committee is allowed to be member of another organization related to land use in Oakland.” (M: Mike T. S: Mike M. ABS: Janelle, Annette, Jennifer, all approve) Addendum: Annette wished to explain that her abstention was a result of her belief that the core issue was not addressed. Item 5: Subcommittees & Community Projects (25) A) Frogfest was a huge success. B) NCPC a. Homeless encampments, working with Project Dignity and other city organizations trying to find the homeless better accommodations. In parks, because of the kids, approach is slightly different. There was an eviction from Hardy Park. Working on consensus from the neighborhood so that Caltrans will do more landscaping to remove trees/bushes around encampments b. Graffiti. Pictures being shared by CCA and College Ave. Not sure what should be done next. C) Web Site – Susan’s nephew offered to build a site plan. He may be approached after another website committee meeting. Annette will call the next meeting. D) Halloween Parade –
a. 29th 1-3 Parade leaves from Dreyer’s. Halloween Central (the Ghoulyard) will be in front of the College Presbyterian Church. Motion to spend up to $300 on the Halloween parade. (M: Stephanie. S: Annette, all approved) b. One day insurance via Sally Bond (Stephanie) c. RDA is organizing treats, posters, and bags E) Underbart – General Sketch has been completed. Bart Parking money is freed up for next steps. Looking at possibilities. Realtime BART departure clock at Cactus. RDA is discussing kiosk. In an effort of full disclosure, Mike McDonald mentioned that at some point he may be asked to be put a bid in on this work. F) Discussion of Chabot Portables – no update. Item 6: Special Requests A) Restoration of Birch Court Pillars – Date from late 1800’s. Supposedly Mark Twain wrote stories from one. Are wired and can be lit. A British bricklayer rebuilt them. They are missing the tops. Eric Claussen from Claussen Blacksmithing is willing to do this. Daniel Dole has also expressed interest. Probably a few thousand dollars. Discussion around what other projects might be out there before we agree on this one. (see C) B) Protection of remaining Heritage Elms on Chabot Rd – City should take care of these. They should be inoculated now. Dutch Elm Disease is present. Two of the elms have been lost. It will cost about $500 per tree. There is an article in this month’s Rockridge News Annette will approach Jane. C) Next month’s Rockridge News. Jessica will put an appeal to the community for small capital improvements ($500 – $2500). The list will be available for January goal setting and retreat to determine priorities for next year. Item 7: Meetings A) October 19th General Election Forum, Jennifer/Gloria – Sign in Sheets. Mike T. will get key, open, and contact League to double check. B) Next BOD Meeting sponsored by Steve Meyer
Time Allocated: 1 hour 55 minutes Actual Time: 2 hours START: 7:35 – 9:35 Respectfully Submitted, Mike Taylor