HomeMy WebLinkAboutTC Digest 2010-10-22TOWN COUNCIL WEEKLY DIGEST
October 18 - 221 2010
Ti hii, rnrn
1. Email - Joshua Townsend - SmartMeter Answer Center
Agendas & Minutes
2. Minutes - Hilarita/Tiburon Ecumenical Association - September 13, 2010
Regional
a) Great Age - Newsletter - Marin Commission on Aging - Fall 2010
b) Conference Announcement - LGC -10th Annual New Partners for Smart
Growth - Feb. 2-5, 2011
c) Sierra Club Newsletter - Yodeler - November/December 2010
Agendas & Minutes
d) None
* Council Only
SmartMeter Answer Center
DIGEST
Peggy Curran
From: Townsend, Joshua [JDTO@pge.com]
Sent: Friday, October 15, 2010 9:53 AM
To: Townsend, Joshua; Nevin, Kelli
Subject: SmartMeter Answer Center
Pacific Gas and Electric Company is committed to providing our customers with tools to help manage their energy
usage and their energy costs. That is why we have been rolling out SmartMeter technology to nearly 10 million
customers.
SmartMeters are being installed in Marin over the next few months. PG&E aims to fully inform our customers
about this new technology and how it will help them manage their energy usage. One way we are doing this is by
hosting SmartMeter Answer Centers in the community, so customers can engage PG&E representatives one-on-
one to help answer questions and address any concerns.
Below is a list of upcoming PG&E SmartMeter Answer Centers:
• Tuesday, October 19, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., San Anselmo City Hall in the ante room outside the Council
Chambers
• Wednesday, October 20, noon-5:30 p.m., Belvedere City Hall in the "Willow" room
• Wednesday, October 20, 1:00-5:00 p.m., San Anselmo City Hall in the ante room outside the Council
Chambers
• Monday, October 25, 1:00-5:00 p.m., San Anselmo City Hall in the ante room outside the Council
Chambers
• Tuesday, October 26, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., San Anselmo City Hall in the ante room outside the Council
Chambers
In addition to increasing the number of Answer Centers PG&E is also committed to providing superior customer
service by phone and online. To do this, PG&E has:
• Dedicated 165 additional customer service representatives to improve customer service and help
customers with billing questions,
• Created a SmartMeter helpline at 866-743-0263,
• Expanded and improved customer communications around the installation of SmartMeter devices,
including a series of direct mail communications timed to introduce customers to their newly installed
device and its benefits, and
• Enhanced and updated our www,pge.c_om/smartmeter website to provide customers with up-to-date
benefits and information.
Joshua Townsend
Public Affairs Manager - Area 7
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Office: 415-257-3467
Email: JDTO@pge.com
10/18/2010
DIGEST
The HI TI U O ECUMENICAL AS.S O (aka HilaritaTEA or H-TEA)
100 Ned's Way - Tiburon, California 94920
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 0?0
Minutes of September 13. 2010
Officers:
President - Keith Lester
Vice President - Charles Quick
Secretary - Barbara Garcia-Romero
Treasurer - Dennis Leary
DIRECTORS PRESENT: The Hilarita Residents Association-.(HRA):
Mary Ann Alvarado Loretta Bromberg, Michael Burns, James Hardy, Dorothy Larson,
Phillip Ramirez, Cathomas Ford - HRA President - ex-officio
Community Congregational Church (CCC)
Liz Jones, Keith Lester
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (SSEC)
Anne Brown, Barbara Garcia-Romero, Michael Peters
Westminster Presbyterian Church (WPC)
Dennis Leary, Richard Leonards, Charles Quick
Town of Tiburon Representative - Carolyn Grey
Community Representative -
DIRECTORS ABSENT: HRA-
* = excused Nuria Ibars*-Community. Representative
OTHERS PRESENT: Loren Sanborn, Sr. Vice President, The John Stewart Co. (JSCo)
Noelle Simmons, Dru Babcock, Co-Managers, The Hilarita (JSCo)
Tony Gourd, Maintenance Supervisor, The: Hilarita (JSCo)
A QUORUM IS 7
1. MEETING CALL TO ORDER
President Lester determined that a quorum was present and called for order at 7:30 PM in the Community
Resource Center of The Hilarita Apartments.
2. MINUTES OF THE JULY 12, 2010 MEETINGS
The President called for approval of the July 12, 2010 minutes: With no comments, it was:
M/S/P (R. Leonards/M. Peters) that the Board approve the July 12,
2010 minutes as presented. 11 aye, 4 abstain
3. CORRESPONDENCE & ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Loren Sanborn, JSCo, advised `that she is covering for Linda Tilton who had surgery this morning.
She said that she will be the backup until Linda is back on- the job.
Board members expressed their wishes for a speedy recovery. Secretary, Barbara Garcia-Romero
advised that on behalf of the Board, flowers will be sent to Linda's home when she is discharged from the
hospital.
4. HRA - The HILARITA REPORT
Meets every third Monday of the month at 7:30 PM in the Esther Whitman Community Center
Cathomas Ford, HRA President, reporting on the HRA Standing Committee activities said that HRA has
been very busy and is making progress in meeting the needs of the tenants but, we do need volunteers.
Further:
1. Two people from the Marin County Employment Program, and paid by it, did tasks for the HRA.
< 1 >
2. Hilarita children were assigned swim times courtesy of Marin City; and through grants, some partici-
pated in the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church's recent "Camp Create".
3. The on-site garden users are now harvesting veggies, and we found six additional garden-site
locations for tenants' use; we are using the on-site compost material for the gardens.
4. The Board:
a) had several meetings regarding the Esther Whitman Community Center make-over and to
discuss various options for usage by the tenants in this space;
b) is putting together a web page which will have data of interest that the tenants can access;
c) is looking into the funds to come from The Hilarita security deposit account; and we will check
with the tenants on whether or not they want a refund.
d) is finding a lot of tenants who would benefit from a food program, and we are working with
the Schwan Co. for assistance with provisions of food rations.
e) plans a survey of the tenants for an evaluation of the HRA Board members, i.e. "how are we
doing?"
f) is preparing a Code of Conduct for all tenants and need feed back. The approved list to be
posted on the bulletin board.
5. October 18th there will be training for the tenants on why, how, and what to prepare for emergencies.
President Lester said that it is splendid what HRA is working to accomplish and that perhaps it could
involve and meet with the H-TEA appropriate committees in this process.
In discussion:
D. Leary - provide information on climate needs of the apartments; come up with places for the play
grounds in different styles for children and for adults.
President Lester - meet with tenants on these matters.
C. Quick - yes, I agree as it has been the residents who have had concerns about some of the activities
and who are in the discussion. Might be the residents don't like it, using the acronym NIMBI.
President Lester - I would like HRA to pick up the ball and move down the field. Some needs may need to
be provided for and there are some that do not.
N.Simmons - the office received a letter of complaint of play times near her, and the writer put in her
support for a playground.
A.Brown - I suggest supervision in such areas.
D.Leary - compliments to HRA for their interest.
L.Sanbom - construction of such an area needs an architect to insure it is ADA.
President Lester - there are liability issues. We don't have to go too far back to have records saying `no' to
such a project.
L.Bromberg - what will the responsibility for children be?
C.Ford - there is renewed interest in a playground.
M.Bums - what is the need for an architect? Have a Playground Committee and supply all of the costs.
L.Sanborn - I question the reasoning for an HRA proposed Code of Conduct. HUD is specific with its
regulations which every tenant receives, and any tenant may review and copy this document which is
in The Hilarita office.
D.Leary - I don't have report submitted before this meeting? Time is needed to absorb all of the items you
have reported on so that appropriate questions and comments may be addressed.
C.Ford - HRA doesn't have a secretary at this time. There will be an election to fill this position.
President Lester reminded the Directors of his previous request to send Committee Reports to the
Recording Secretary for inclusion with the minutes mailing.
M.Burns - I thought the Recording Secretary was supposed to remind us.
B.Garcia-Romero - she did.
President Lester asked that the HRA President talk with him after this meeting.
< 2 >
5. SECRETARY'S REPORT
Barbara Garcia-Romero - no report
6. TREASURER'S REPORT
Dennis Leary advised that there is no change in the Board's checking account balance.
7. The JOHN STEW-ART COMPANY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT REPORT
A - Loren Sanborn, Sr. Vice President, JSCo, said that:
1. HUD did signify its approval of the Fair Housing Marketing Plan submitted for The Hilarita with the
exception that the demographic lacked in representing the White/Non-Hispanic population. We will
emphasize more advertising and outreach to attract that demographic group.
In discussion:
A.Brown - does a personal reference help in the selection of a potential tenant?
L.Sanbom - no personal reference is needed.
N.Simmons - it is not needed, but it helps the office in contacts if needed.
D.Larson - how are people picked?
L.Sanbom - first come, with the listing being generated in an Excel computer program.
M.Burns - what is the selection criteria?
L.Sanborn - Federal preference doesn't exist anymore.
N.Simmons - has been first come.
M.Bums - what about a lottery?
L.Sanbom - that could easily make the first application in remain on the list for some time. That system
would be unfair.
C. Ford -who decides?
L.Sanbom - HUD does. Look at page 5 of the JSCo report which shows the HUD guidelines. We are
having to do this.
2. the deck work over the office was subject to further inspection resulting from correspondence to HUD
from a tenant or two who alleged the work was not in compliance.
M.Burns - consider a Health and Safety Committee.
President Lester advised that the concerns should have been taken directly to the H-TEA Buildings &
Grounds Committee.
L.Sanborn - any tenant should go to the office.
B - Noelle Simmons/Dru Babcock, Co-Property Managers. Nothing further than the report included with
the JSCo mailing to all Directors.
8. ON-SITE COMMITTEE REPORT
Meets fourth Thursday of the month at 600 PM or as needed. Committee: Anne Brown, -c. Loretta Bromberg, Michael Bums, Carolyn
Grey, Nuna (bars„ Richard Leonards
Anne Brown reporting:
1. Grievance Procedure: asked the Directors if there were any questions after having read the
proposed Grievance Procedure which was included with the minutes mailing, to contact Carolyn
Grey or herself by October 1 st. The Committee will present this topic to the H-TEA Board with its
recommendation at the October 11, 2010 meeting.
President Lester asked that the Committee get concerns from the tenants. Make sure that they under-
stand the Grievance Procedure process in that any claims are to be handled by this Committee and not
directed to the H-TEA Board. Anne advised that education on this procedure will be given to the HRA.
< 3 >
In discussion:
C.Ford - what about concerns she gets?
A.Brown - any case would first be for the HRA President, it is her role.
2. Esther Whitman Community Center: Tony Gourd and Anne Brown provided a list of materials and
projected costs for the remodel and furnishings for this space. As much as possible, the work will be
done in-house, and we will go to bids for work that cannot be done in-house. The ad-hoc Committee
wants to make this space usable and accommodating for events.
In discussion:
B.Garcia-Romero - need fans.
T. Gourd - for central air conditioning it would cost about $10,000.
J. Hardy - discuss different fan options.
D.Larson - need data before next meeting. I question the Bylaws on this.
President Lester - I will check the ByLaws.
C.Ford - save office space for HRA to work in or for office space in the CLC. Policy to the Ad-Hoc
Committee.
President Lester asked the Committee to work through this and present final recommendations to this
Board. If there are other questions or concerns, contact Anne and/or Tony.
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS COMMITTEE REPORT
Meets quarterly or as needed. Committee: Charles Quick-c, Mary Ann Alvarado„ Dorothy Larson, Michael Peters, Phillip Ramirez
Charles Quick advised that:
1. this Committee will meet at 7:30 PM on September 27th, and it will meet the same time in the next
quarter.
2. report was provided at last Buildings & Grounds meeting; everyone with issues of projects are to take
it to the office. Calendar in the office.
10. COMMUNITY TRAINING & $ERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT CLC
Meets the first Friday of the month at 600 PM or as needed. Committee: Barbara Garcia-Romero-c, Anne Brown, Dennis Leary
Barbara Garcia-Romero called attention to Coordinator Brian Meyer's report included with the JSCo report
sent to all Directors. She advised that:
1. applications have gone out for the Tutorial Program which will begin in October.
In discussion:
D. Larson - I am disappointed that Brian could not help with her computer problems as the previous
Coordinator had been able to do.
N.Simmons - there is a liability concern in this action, therefore, CLC personnel are unable to work on any
personal computers.
11. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
- This re Dort is proprietary and not to be discussed outside of this meeting
Meets as needed. Committee: Dennis Leary-c, Dorothy Larson, Michael Peters
Dennis Leary - no report.
12. OLD BUSINESS
There was none.
< 4 >
13. OPEN FORUM
[Protocol: each speaker has three minutes; if there are subjects not covered in the allowed time, to wait until all
others have spoken before resuming your comments. All questions and replies are to be directed to the President.]
There was none.
14. NEW BUSINESS
There was none.
15, EXECUTIVE SESSION
*This session is confidential and not to be discussed outside of this meetina
Ex. Committee: Keith Lester-C, Charles Quick, Barbara Garcia-Romero, Nuria (bars
There was no call for an Executive Session.
16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next Board of Directors meeting will be called to order at 7:30 PM on October 11, 2010 in the
Community Training & Services Center of The Hilarita Apartments.
COURTESY CALL.- Please remember that a quorum is required to proceed on any `action' item. If you
will be unable to attend this meeting, please phone President Lester [456-6659] or the Recording
Secretary [381-2556], or contact either via e-mail. Thank you.
• Absences: Bylaws ARTICLE 6 Section 6.05, with Board discretion, permit no more than three (3)
consecutive or four (4) non-consecutive meetings to be missed without justification.
17 CALL FOR ADJOURNMENT
President Lester called for adjournment and there being no objections, the meeting adjourned at
8:56 PM.
2010 Board of Directors Meeting Calendar:. (second Monday of each month except May and August)
• Annual Meeting/Elections -January 11, • February 8, • March 8, • April 12, - regular business meeting &
annual walk around -Saturday May 15 at 9:30 AM, • June 14, • July 12, • August - customarily no
scheduled meeting, • September 13, • October 11, • November 8, and, • December 13.
»»>Reminder: Committee reports are to be sent to the R.S. no later than October 29th
to be included with the Board of Directors meeting minutes to be
distributed with time to review, prepare comments and questions
for the November 8th meeting. Thank you.
H-TEA Recording Secretary - 09/2010
minutes distribution
• H-TEA Board of Directors
• JSCo
approved minutes distribution:
• Sponsor Churches: Community, St. Stephen's, Westminster
• EAH • Marin Housing Authority • Belvedere City Council • Tiburon Town Council • Loren Sanborn, JSCo
• H-TEA Secretary files • HRA files
< 5 >