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Greenbrae Property Owners’ Association (GPOA)
Board of Directors Meeting
Date: October 9, 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 Michael Hillman. Present were Chalayne
Gallinatti, Bob Gilley, Jeff Goodrich, Mary Lindsay, Mark Litwin, Patty
Oxman, Paul Schwartz, Scott Sherman, and Richard Stromberg.
Homeowner Issues
The floor was opened to homeowners present.
A resident of Almenar complained of his neighbor’s plans to tear
down the residence immediately adjacent for the purpose of replacing
it with a “large footprint” structure. The resident wished
to know what design review authority the Board could exercise, and what
input (if any) he might have to the process. Mark Litwin and Paul Schwartz
explained that, given that the property in question is within Marin
County (not Larkspur City) jurisdiction, there is no formal design approval
process as long as plans observe standard code, setback, and elevation
restrictions. However, the county building permit process does involve
a level of plan review which can often include GPOA Board scrutiny.
The homeowner was referred to the County Planner to inquire into the
permit application and to register his concerns about the impact on
his view, drainage, etc., with the county. He should request that the
County Planner include GPOA in the permit review process.
No other homeowner issues were raised.
Treasurer’s Report
Financial statements for September and YTD were reviewed and accepted
as presented. Statements are published on the community website at www.greenbrae.org.
It was found that the budget will need to be adjusted upward next year
to cover increases of nearly $20,000 for landscape and tree maintenance,
and liability insurance.
Community Relations Report
Mary Lindsay reported on correspondence from homeowners concerned about
the construction of fences in Greenbrae out of conformity with recorded
CC&Rs and with county and city code and permit requirements. Fences
are built within both front and side yard setbacks and occasionally
exceed the six-foot height limit. This continues to be a vexing problem
for the Board as CC&R enforcement regarding this restriction has
not been consistent over the past fifty years. The situation leads to
inequities in both enforcement and the failure to enforce. The Board
encourages homeowners to express an opinion, either in writing or by
appearing at our next meeting, on whether the existing restrictions
(written some fifty years ago) are in keeping with the community’s
current needs and “lifestyle” objectives. This will provide
guidance on future enforcement practices.
No further progress or commitment from CalTrans on getting the north
Greenbrae soundwall into Phase One of the Highway 101 widening project.
Landscape Report (also see attached, ‘Landscaping Overview
for 2001')
Scott Sherman reported that the second 2001 oak tree spraying (for beetles)
had been accomplished, that progress is being made toward initiating
median plantings on Via La Cumbre, Almenar, and Bretano, and that annual
hydroseeding of Greenbrae common area hillsides would be forthcoming
in late October or early November. More elsewhere in this mailing
on seeding and Scott’s ‘Landscaping Overview for 2001.’.
Picnic Report
This year’s picnic drew some 300 people for fun and games, hot
dogs and hamburgers, and great music targeted at the kids who had a
terrific time. Many thanks to Michelle Ruff for picking up responsibility
this year for overseeing this many faceted project, and for doing such
a fine job her first year out. Voluntary GPOA dues subsidized this year’s
event by some $2000.
Greenbrae Aerial Survey
Mike Hillman delivered a CD obtained from the Marin County Survey Office
of a large, detailed image of an aerial photo overlaid with parcel boundaries
and elevation lines. The Survey Office required no payment at this time.
Paul Schwartz will continue to work on this project by getting an audit
done on the overlays, and then working with our Webmaster to have the
image posted to www.greenbrae.org. Thanks to Paul for his diligence
in creating this valuable asset, and in initiating and seeing the project
through.
Fence Restriction Enforcement
The Board engaged in lengthy discussion of this issue. The CC&Rs
clearly prohibit the construction of fences within front setbacks. In
addition to aesthetic and privacy concerns, these fences built to three
foot (rather than six foot) heights are designed to contain small children
and pets on properties that front busy streets or hillside homes with
limited play area. Please see the Community Relations Report, above.
Pet Restraint and Cleanup
The Board requests that homeowners who walk their dogs on common areas
have the courtesy to restrain and clean up after their pets. Would the
homeowner who appeared at the July meeting to complain about the practice
of unfettered dog droppings please report to the Board on his research
into the cost of installing disposal stations? (Thank you!)
Greenbrae Streets
The Board has received much positive feedback in support of its desire
to focus time and attention on improving the condition of Greenbrae
street surfaces. They need to be, not “cold-patched”, but
repaved in many cases. Hillman has committed to dig into this issue
this Winter.
Next year’s meeting schedule to be announced.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 PM.
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