Minutes of the Mount Hermon Community
Fall Meeting
October 27, 2011

The Fall, 2011 general meeting of the Mount Hermon Community was held on October 27, 2011, pursuant to duly given notice, and was held in the Newton Memorial of Mount Hermon Association.  The meeting was promptly called to order at 7:00 p.m. and co-President, Jim Linman opened in prayer.

The Secretary, Janet Payne, was excused from the meeting while recuperating from surgery.  The Minutes of the Spring Meeting of the Community, held on May, 10, 2011 were read by Paul Izor.  Co-President Armand Langmo obtained a motion and second to approve the Minutes which were then unanimously approved.

Treasurer, Barbara Grensted reported an adjusted balance of $442.32 as there was a recording error in the prior meeting’s minutes.  There has been no account activity.  With the adjustment, upon motion, second and unanimous vote, the Treasury Report was approved.

Co-President, Armand Langmo announced that the connector road from Mount Hermon Rd. to Lilac Lane has now been completed after a 3 year effort following the Santa Cruz County mandated closure of the Woodwardia Bridge by January 2014.  Annual inspections of the bridge were costing $10,000 per year and the community agreed to an early closure to save the expense and accumulate the funds toward the bridge replacement.

Community Improvement chair, Paul Izor announced that the annual Lost & Found Sale will be held on November 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Newton Memorial.  The Community was encouraged to donate saleable items to Mount Hermon Association for the sale, which benefits the Campership Fund.

The Mount Hermon Community Christmas Buffet will be on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. in the Dining Commons.  Underwritten by Mount Hermon Association, tickets for residents, property owners and immediate family go on sale during November for $5.00 per person with children under 6, free.

Alden Johanson of Mount Hermon Association reported that despite news reports of Post Offices closing, Mount Hermon’s facility is not currently on the lists.  Even though profitable and continuously in operation for over a century, we should be proactive about contacting our Washington representatives about the impact a possible closure would result.

Dale Pollock of Mount Hermon Association recapped the major storm damage of last Fall and Winter and explained the status of the major slide on Conference Drive that is still being analyzed toward stabilization.  All costs of such work will be borne by the Association and the specific homeowner involved.  The replacement water storage tank at Ponderosa is completed and in service.  Water fees and surcharges are continuing to be accumulated toward replacement of a second tank at some future date.

Mark Lilley of Mount Hermon Association explained the recent tree pruning and removal work being done by Davey Tree and PG&E to protect wires from falling branches that cause outages and risk fires.  Conference Drive has been slurry sealed and re-striped and residents are encouraged to continue to drive slowly and carefully as the sealer continues to harden.  Two more speed bumps are planned for the crosswalks at the Dining Commons as well as at the Post Office due to near misses from speeding vehicles.  Drivers should never exceed 15 miles per hour on any Mount Hermon roads.

A question was received from a resident about a possible 3-way stop at Forest Rd. and Conference Dr., at the Post Office.  Mark agreed to look into that.

Residents were reminded that Santa Cruz County Ordinance as well as Mount Hermon Rules require dog owners to keep their animals on leash at all times and to clean up any business.  Problems should be reported to County Animal Control.

A resident asked if the bushes along Conference Drive, at the Day Camp crosswalk, could be trimmed back for better visibility.  

A resident who volunteers with the Sheriff Department suggested for safety and security, that residents leave porch lights on since we have so few street lights.  PG&E has a light bulb replacement program.

A representative group of owners and residents from the Woodwardia area made their presence known and asked for time to have more discussion about Woodwardia Bridge.  Armand Langmo introduced the discussion with a comprehensive recap of the history of the bridge, structural issues and the activities taking place during the past 4 years.  The details of those activities have been reported in prior Minutes and on the Mount Hermon Community website.  The owners and residents of the 40 homes affected by the bridge closure requested action toward raising necessary funds, more action on researching the design, cost and permitting process for replacement and for general support by the 400 other residents for the situation affecting the 40.  Discussions were held about assessment, voluntary payments of the approximately $2,000 per household cost, County contribution due to the Bucklein residents, grant applications, etc.  Community Improvement Chair, Paul Izor agreed to serve as the lead contact for residents concerning fundraising and community action.

Charles and Edna Lewis announced that they are hosting the monthly Mount Hermon prayer meetings, formerly hosted by the Wood’s.  Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, at 2:00 p.m. at 24 Prospect Ave. in Mount Hermon.

On motion made, seconded and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Paul Izor
Acting Secretary, Mount Hermon Community