MINUTES
Fall Meeting, Mount Hermon Community (MHC) organization
Newton Memorial, October 21, 2008, 7:00 PM
Armand began the meeting at 7:04 with an opening prayer.
The minutes from the May 1, 2008 meeting were read by Constance and approved by motion and second with no questions.
Announcements…………………………………………………..Armand
1. Bill Fernald resigned from his position as MHA representative to the board. The Board has nominated Mark Lilley to take his place. Mark has also agreed to be the Emergency Response coordinator.
2. Bernie Denton has been appointed as parliamentarian.
3. The MHC House Tour takes place on October 25, 2003. Location and ticket sales were noted.
4. Plans have been finalized for the Christmas buffet, Dec 5, 6:00pm. The MHA will be subsidizing part of the cost of the buffet.
MHA Issues Update Report………………………………..Alden/Dale
1. The MHC is following developments regarding the Felton Fair Housing Project. MHC sent a letter to the County regarding aquifer depletion issues. We are waiting for the environmental studies process to move forward. MHC has asked the County to notify us of any hearings.
2. Alden said that some people have contacted the county regarding the safety of the canopy tour. The appropriate safety standards are being met. The audience expressed interest in having an additional day to try the course.
3. Dale apologized for the June water taste/color issue. There was a higher than normal iron content in one of the wells due to acid cleaning. It seems to be back to normal.
4. Woodwardia Road Bridge – MHA is working through issues with the county. They have completed the repairs, $112,000, and the bridge is safe to use with its current restrictions (except with a seismic event). There has also been a traffic study that MHA will be presenting to the county this next week. The objective of the upcoming hearing is to gain permission for full access to Mount Hermon Road from Lilac Lane. Questions about the locked gate were addressed.
5. Q and A was regarding the safety of the gate access now and after improvements, and whether there would be additional paving runs throughout MtH.
Emergency Preparedness………………………………………….Mark
1. Mark was introduced as MHA Facilities Manager and former a fireman.
2. Mark addressed “Living with Fire in Santa Cruz County,” including how to prepare a defensible space around your house and make a plan for evacuation.
3. He discussed evacuation plans for conferees with A, B, C routes marked on new maps. He went over these exit routes, including at Ponderosa (in an emergency).
4. The Fire Chief was in attendance and addressed CERT: Community Emergency Response Training (rather than just “teams.”) Anyone can participate in this free class.
“First Annual House Tours”—October 25 Fund Raiser……………………….Jim
Plans for the house tours including purpose, ticket sales and shuttle service were discussed. This is a fund-raiser for the MHC at $10 in advance or $12 on Saturday per person.
Community Improvement………………………………………….Paul
1. Paul started us off with a pop quiz about MtH rules and regulations (and county regulations, such as quiet hours from 10 pm to 8 am.)
2. A sign-up was passed for emailed announcements.
3. Past projects were the Weed and Feed on May 18, 2008 and Cleanup Day, Oct. 4, 2008.
4. The next project may be a “sweep” of the French and Scotch Broom in MtH. Kenyon Moon explained the problems with it and showed how to get rid of it from the roots.
Election…………………………………………………………….Armand
1. The following have been nominated by the executive board: Mark Lilley as MHA Representative and Janet Payne as Secretary.
2. Mark was introduced then unanimously approved by motion, second, and vote by ayes.
3. Janet Payne was introduced. There was a request for nominations from the floor, then she was unanimously approved by motion, second, and vote by ayes.
Other New Business and Announcements
1. Lights on the Forest short-cut are not adequate.
2. Mark Lilley made an announcement about the upcoming election. The Fire Chief explained the effect Measure B will have on our community.
Meeting was adjourned by motion and second at 8:31pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Janet Payne, October 21, 2008.