Greenbrae Property Owners’ Association (GPOA)
Board of Directors Meeting

Date: February 6, 2001
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM
The meeting was called to order by Mark Litwin. Present were Mary Lindsay, Scott Sherman, Rumple, Paul Schwartz, Michael Hillman, Chalayne Gallinatti, Mark Litwin and Patty Oxman.

Introduction of Guests
First order of business was introduction of guests. Terry Haverkamp of Via La Cumbre appeared to complain about the lack of landscaping on her street and wanted to inquire about the timing of proposed landscape improvements for that area. It was explained to her why the landscape improvements have been delayed and mentioned that it was hoped that the improvements might start this spring.

Several neighbors from Almenar were complaining about a fence at 65 Almenar that appears to violate the CC&Rs, about an illegal in-law apartment at 104 Almenar and a board and care business being operated at 35 Bretano Way which is also known in the phone book as Bretano House. The Board agreed that these might be violations of the CC&RS and would look into the matters further.

Treasurer's Report
Mark Litwin moved to accept the Treasurer's Report as presented and Paul Schwartz seconded. On vote, the Treasurer's Report was accepted.

Community Relations Report
Mary Lindsay then presented the Community Relations Report. She first brought up the matter of the sound wall on Highway 101. She stated that the County still assures us that the funds will become available or be obtained from another county so that the full scope of the sound wall as planned could, in fact, be constructed. Mary and the rest of her committee are staying involved in that matter.

Mary also mentioned that Michelle Ruff has volunteered to be head of the picnic committee for this year and that a new committee was being formed for that purpose. A date for the fall would be announced at a later point.

Landscape Report
Scott Sherman then presented his Landscape Report. Scott mentioned the significant progress being made by Gardeners Guild Landscaping Service under our new contract with them. He stated that they have been attentive to requests and our needs, and that they are doing a very careful and detailed job of maintenance. He is very pleased with their work. Pruning is being performed by Sonoma County Arborists. They are out doing extensive pruning at the moment and also taking great care in the work and in the design of the pruning. He is likewise very pleased with their work.

Regarding the general community meeting for landscaping, the premise of the meeting was discussed. It was acknowledged that there is a great concern about oak trees in general and how our planned irrigation work for future improvements might affect oak trees. There was mention as well that some of the members of the community did not care for the somewhat manicured, or fussy look of the noses of the islands, preferring a more wild, natural look. The objective of the meeting was discussed and it was generally concluded that we would present our plans and background for those plans: how the concept of renovating the islands had evolved over the years; how much work had gone into the planning process for that work; to give some explanation of the actual type of design contemplated; and, to get some consensus of the work going forward. It was suggested that the various block captains and past Board members be contacted and asked to attend, so that we could present a full picture of the program, and possibly break up into sectional discussions.

President's Report
Mark Litwin then brought up the issue of 20 Manor Drive. He presented a summary of the meeting the prior week on Manor at one of the resident's homes and stated that the County Attorney and Hal Brown were present at that meeting to discuss why the County could not really take any action at that time. The County Attorney offered some advice to the neighbors regarding what kind of evidence they needed to accumulate to bring an action. Very little time was allotted for the discussion of a private nuisance action, and the raising of funds for that purpose.

Future meeting dates and a March 5th dinner date were discussed.

Scott moved that we commit a sum of money to get a legal opinion on whether a private nuisance action could be filed or whether the Homeowners' Association could bring a nuisance action and he moved that we pay 50% of the cost of such opinion, not to exceed $750. Mary seconded the motion. It was unanimously carried. Mary agreed to contact Mark Fernandez, one of the neighbors, to apprise him of the vote and allocation of funds.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.