CTRA Board of Directors Meeting 11/05/04

Meeting called to order at 2:50 pm by President Kathy Durham. In attendance: Alexandra McFarland, Kathy Durham, Holly Welstein, Erika Enos, Paul Garrett, Paula Sandas, Betsy Friebel. Absent: Margaret Miller, Donna Matheson. Guest: Jeff Levinsky.

Minutes from the 10/01/04 meeting were accepted as revised.

BOARD PRIORITIES/MAJOR DISCUSSION ITEMS

Neighborhood Traffic Study: The Palo Alto City Council will consider the College Terrace Traffic Calming Trial on Monday, November 11 at 7 pm. The deadline for comments to be included in packets sent to council members is noon, November 17. E-mail may be sent directly up to the day of the meeting. The board discussed the importance of mobilizing residents to send e-mails and letters of support and to attend the meeting. Kathy will draft a letter stating CTRA Board support of the staff recommendation.

Zoning Ordinance Update: The city has scheduled four community meetings, including one on Tuesday, November 16 at Escondido Elementary School. The board decided not to take a position on proposed changes but will encourage residents to attend the meeting. Betsy will put a reminder in the newsletter due out next week.

OFFICERS' REPORTS

Treasurer: Donna was unable to attend the meeting. The quarterly report will be distributed next month.

Communication Director: The next newsletter is planned for November 12. The deadline for submissions is the Monday before that.

Government/Stanford Observers: Alexandra is planning a January meeting with residents directly affected by parking problems. John Ciccorelli will also attend. There is a plan to construct more student housing near the law school on campus in 2005 and Alexandra is looking into the potential impacts of the construction on our neighborhood.

GUEST PRESENTATION Jeff Levinsky, of the Friends of the Library, advised the board on his organization's views of the proposed changes to the libraries, in particular the possibility of closing the College Terrace and Downtown branches. The new library director will present her report to the City Council on November 8 and it is important for public input to occur before the council considers action, probably in January. Paula will arrange for a neighborhood meeting to brainstorm approaches to save the branch libraries.

NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be Friday, December 3 at 2:30 pm at Erika's home. Board members are encouraged to bring contributions for a holiday cookie exchange.

Respectfully submitted by Holly Welstein, Secretary.