December Minutes

MINUTES of
BELLE ISLE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (BIRA)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

December 19, 2006
Community Room at 3 Island Avenue

Board Members Present
Scott Diffenderfer
Josh Fisher
Barbara Frank
Herb Frank
Barbara Gillman
Keith Hark
Nancy Liebman
Sandra Money
Renee Savary

Herb called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.

Approval of Minutes of the November 7, 2006 Board Meeting

Barbara Frank made a motion to approve the Minutes of the November 7, 2006 Board meeting as they appear on the web site. Renee seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Scott Diffenderfer, a member of the Board of Directors of 20 Island Avenue was introduced to the Board. Sandy made a motion that he be added to the Board. Nancy seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Policy Folder/Website

After discussion it was agreed that Policies of the organization should be placed in a folder and listed in an appropriate section of the website.

Other

Barbara Gillman discussed the noise created by work at the Capri building heard by residents of Belle Plaza, Belle Towers and the Grand Venetian. Nancy explained that it was the result of a 36 hour pour of concrete which was approve by the City Buildings Director. She noted that another pour is scheduled for January 13, 2007 starting at 8 a.m. and running for 40 hours. Herb agreed to send a notification to the affected buildings and Nancy agreed to draft a letter to the City Manager and Commissioner Gross from BIRA thanking them for delaying the start until 8 a.m. and suggesting that hotel vouchers be offered to residents of the above-cited buildings.

Ongoing Business

By-Law Changes

After discussion of the proposed By-Law changes distributed at the last meeting, Sandy made a motion that they be approved. Josh seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Review Plans for General Membership Meeting January 18, 2007

Sandy asked if the date could be changed but several Board members were unavailable the day before, so it remains on January 18th. Herb reviewed the proposed Agenda, Meeting Notice, and individuals to be invited to address specific issues. It was agreed that the names of those who will be doing so be included in the Meeting Notice. It was also agreed that the Meeting agenda should include the BIRA website URL and the phone numbers of the City offices including the CIP office. Keith agreed to work on the notice, which will be distributed in early January.

Barbara Gill suggest we have a handout stating the BIRA Mission and provide information on how residents may get involved with the association.

Present Slate of 2007 Officers and Board

It was noted that Board Members are elected at the General Membership meeting and officers are elected at the first Board meeting thereafter.

Park/Street Renovations

Nancy reported that she walked around the park with Jorge Chartrand and stressed the need to keep the area livable for the residents during the renovations. Herb was told by Carla Dixon that the grates would be fixed and the lights on by today, but that has not happened. It was agreed that Nancy will continue to communicate with Jorge and Herb with Carla.

Pumping Station and Plant Sizes

Herb noted that it will take them three months to finish the plant, after which the plants to hide its size should be planted. After discussion, Josh made a motion that Nancy be appointed CIP Chair of BIRA. Sandy seconded. The motion was passed unanimously.

Traffic Light and Crosswalk at Purdy

Herb reported that the lights still need to be synchronized and the stripe painted in the street, so it will be a few weeks before it is finalized. Most Board members agreed that this has been a significant achievement for BIRA.

Bridges on Venetian Causeway

Herb reported that the Coast Guard has not yet decided in favor of the proposed bridge schedule opening. Nancy agreed to contact Barbara Bisno to learn if there is a schedule for implementing the proposed changes.

Big Boxes in Sunset Harbour

Nancy reported the possibility that Whole Foods will be taking the area behind the gas station and veterinarian on Alton Road. The Industrial District will be discussed by the Planning Board the third Tuesday in January.

The Standard Licensing Expansion

It was noted that, although Andres Balazs was invited to tonight’s meeting, he is not here. Further, Josh reported that the Standard applied for a 5 AM liquor license and outdoor bar in January, 06, but was turned down by the City. The Standard then hired a Public Relations firm and lawyer.

Nancy is continuing to work with the M B City lawyer to determine if the Standard could have such a license change for a one-year period only, but the BIRA Board agreed that if this license is available, once such a change is made, it would be difficult to reverse it, even though it requires an annual review. After discussion, Keith made a motion that the Board appose any expansion of the grand-fathered zoning of the Standard and all other grand-fathered rights, as that would cause a negative effect on the residents of Belle Island. Barbara Frank seconded. Seven voted in favor and two members abstained. The motion passed. Herb agreed to send the Minutes of this meeting, with the motion highlighted, to Jorge Gomez and the City Attorney.

New Business

There was no new business.

Set Time and Day for the Next BIRA Board Meeting

It was agreed that the next Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 in the 3 Island Avenue Community Room at 6 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Prepared by:

Sandra K. Money, Secretary