October 28, 2008 General Meeting Minutes
RAINBOW WEST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEETING – October 22, 2008 @ 6:45 PM
BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Kim Worrall, Ron Olsen, Lido Scardigli, Harry Hadley, Donna Hadley, Ruby Liao and Cindi Bowen
GUEST SPEAKERS: Debbie Erwin and Ruth Kohan of the Calabasas Library, and Mary Ann Goren of Councilman Pete Constant’s Office
RWNA BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETING
THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Kim started the meeting by thanking Donna Hadley for her great contribution, making the picnic at Calabazas Park a success. It is estimated that over 160 people attended. Photos of the picnic can be seen on the RWNA Web site.
Kim announced that sadly, RWNA will be losing two important board members. Ruby Liao, Treasurer and Bill Sunlin our First Vice President have resigned. They will both be missed. Their leaving creates two vacancies on the board. Kim asked if there is anyone interested in filling either of these two roles. Ruby emphasized that she would be willing to train her replacement, stating that the job requires only about 2 hours per month of her time. Included in Bill’s position is that of the Association’s Webmaster. Kim would appreciate knowing the name or any other Web volunteers, of the person who volunteered at our last general meeting to help Bill with the Web site. Kim also asked if there was anyone who could help out writing our newsletter.
Kim discussed the need for better distribution of our flyers. Cindi Bowen Co- Chair for Neighborhood Watch will update the block captain roster and lead a task force meeting to see ways for improving the present method of getting flyers to RWNA residents. Several people at the meeting volunteered to help Cindi.
Kim presented a possible plan to merge the Miller and Rainbow Associations. Kim met with Pete Constant to discuss the merger and seemed to get his agreement. Some problems need to be talked through such as allocation of Cap Grant funds, size of the merged association, overlap of some duties and coordinating special events. Board meetings and association rosters will remain separate.
FINANCIAL STATUS: Ruby presented the profit and loss statement. The stated gross income as of October 22, 2008 is $4,575.56 that includes the $2,300 CAP Grant. The biggest expense for that time period of $639.84 was attributed to the RWNA picnic leaving a net income of $2.538.28 as compared to a cash position of $500.00 reported in July 2008.
BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE: The RWNA Beautification Committee was given 400 daffodils. 100 each will be distributed for planting to Dillworth, Miller and Muir schools. With 100 going to the Calabasas fire station.
CALABASAS LIBRARY: Debbie Erwin and Ruth Kohan of the Calabazas Library presented plans for the library. Debbie gave us a pictorial tour using architectural layouts to show us the different aspects of the new library. The existing design calls for expansion into the existing parking area and will take up about a third of the vegetable garden area. Parking was voiced as a potential problem. It was explained that the new library footprint will allow for parking on the South side of the property, next to the fire station parking area. Debbie also took time to credit Pete Constant for finding the funds for the new community center. Thank you Pete!
Closing of the existing library is estimated to be late summer 2009 and construction start late October of the same year. It is estimated that the total construction will take 18 to 24 months. The current economy may have an impact on this schedule as will the timing of other library construction projects.
FROM PETE’S OFFICE: Mary Ann Goren, Assistant to Pete Constant announced that the Festival in the Park was a big success on September 30 serving over 1,300 meals. She encouraged people to attend the next one.
Maryann also talked about the status of the Cap Grant stating that in the future the grant money will be divided among more associations and may cap out at $7,500. There is also a concern that the present state of the economy may have an adverse effect on available funds.
Maryann reported of a fire at the home of the Jones’s on Miller Ave. Several neighbors pitched in to help the couple living there which resulted in saved lives. Commendations will be given to the neighbors at City Hall on October 28.
Maryann also solicited ideas for articles for the District 1 newsletter.
GENERAL MEETING: A joint general meeting was held with the Murdock Association. Linda Burn of the City of San Jose Transportation Department gave a Street Smart lecture which is part of the 12 step Traffic Safety Education Program. Linda discussed the various statistics involving traffic accidents and their causes. She also explained that the Traffic Department’s strategy is to educate children who will in turn educate parents.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm. Our next meeting is scheduled for November 10 at 6:00 pm at Kim’s home.
Lido Scardigli, Secretary
October 30, 2008