Review of minutes of previous meeting

• The minutes of the meeting held on 9/17/06 were accepted as circulated by email.

Agenda review

• Agenda was reviewed and agreed upon by the attendees.

BOARD PRIORITIES/MAJOR DISCUSSION ITEMS

Parking Issues Task Force

• Alexandra McFarland presented an update on the Parking Issues Task Force.

• The main focus area of the task force was Stanford Avenue, since residents along this street were the most affected by the spillover parking from Stanford University

• Three different sources of spillover parking:

1. Daytime commuters using Marguerite

2. Students living in Escondido Village seeking to avoid paying parking fees

3. Employees (of both Stanford and other employers) seeking to avoid parking restrictions within the Stanford campus

• Based on studies on how other communities near college towns solved similar parking issues, the task force found that the only effective long-term solution was to introduce a residential permit parking program

• An FAQ flyer has been drafted, to give more information on the Task Force’s work to date and the next step of going to the City to seek support for solving the problem. This flyer will be in the November newsletter

• Larry asked whether focusing only on Stanford Avenue would result in the problem spilling over to neighboring blocks. Alexandra reiterated the fact that the task force’s initial focus was on the neighborhood most affected by the parking problem. She said that the next step was to provide all the information to the City of Palo Alto, and get them to implement an appropriate program.

• Erika pointed out that in order to make the program viable, people would want to know what this would cost. Alexandra explained that the survey indicated that those affected most by spillover parking were willing to pay a modest amount ($25-$50) per permit. But discussion of price options would be best addressed via the upcoming City process.

• John Mark suggested adding text to convey very clearly the fact that we were
  approaching the City of Palo Alto and asking them to address the parking issue.
  

Short-term goal review

• Bylaws committee unanimously approved a document with recommended changes to the 2001 CTRA bylaws. A special board meeting will be held on 11/19 at 4:00 p.m. (venue to be announced), for the board to consider these recommendations. Members of the bylaws committee will be invited to speak at this meeting if they choose.

• Document will be circulated to the board electronically later this week.
• Neighborhood traffic calming trial

• City has now received traffic control plan from contractor. Work may commence next week or the first full week of November, and may only take a week.

• John Mark said that the proposed Salon/Civic Affairs meeting would include an update to the community after construction. Target date early December. .

Community Communications

• Timing and content for the November Views From The Terrace
  • Newsletter should come out weekend of November 11-12, in order to alert residents to 11/19 special board meeting to consider amending the Bylaws.

  • Topics for November newsletter were brainstormed; Kathy to share with Videhi

Welcome Wagon

• Erika will coordinate with Carolyn in order to update board at next meeting

OFFICER REPORTS AND OTHER UPDATES

Treasurer's Report

• Financial position as of 9/30/06: Cash in bank: $694.08 (+ $4,000 reserve)

• Net income for the period April to September 2006: $191.92, compared to ($190.71) for the same period last year.
• Larry called for anyone who has expenses that need to be reimbursed to submit receipts, especially for printing June newsletter
• We need to encourage more donations, and also find alternate sources of funds. One suggestion was to put a reminder in every communication that we send out to the community. Kathy to talk to Carolyn about this.

Government/University observers

• John Mark brought up the Alza noise abatement issues with Stanford Management Company. Upper California Avenue residents have seen no noticeable improvement in the noise levels, in spite of the abatement programs
  • ZOU Performance Standards only address new developments and redevelopments requiring permits. This is important for future but how can we work to resolve the existing issue?

  • Peter Coutts’ historic house (on Escondido Road) is being renovated and converted into office space for Bing. Could lead to traffic and parking issues

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the board will take place on Sunday November 19, at 3:15 pm, at a

location to be announced.
The December meeting will be held on Sunday 12/10, at 7:30pm as a combined holiday party.
Venue: Erika’s house

The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Arun Sastry, Secretary