The regular meeting of the Manhattan Beach Civic Association was called to order at 8:00PM on Tuesday 1 September 2009. President Rick Marsalek presiding. A quorum was present at the meeting.

 
 
Secretary's Report - The minutes of the previous session (7/7/2009) were distributed at the meeting for review and approval. The minutes were approved as written.
 
Treasurer's Report - Kate Holmes, Treasurer, reported:
Tax Benefit Fund Balance             $11,059.32
General Fund Balance                    $28,488.40      (two Mandrin checks have been received)
Boat Ramp Fund Balance              $ 1,889.52
CD Balance                                                $ 8,408.79
Balance in all accounts………..    $49,846.03
 
Copies of the account details were made available at the meeting for review and approval. The Treasurer's report was approved as read.
 
Old Business -
- Grant for Beach Improvement - The status of the most recent grant application was unknown at the time of the meeting. Rick will follow-up with Augie.
 
- Lawyer Bill - The outstanding lawyer bill remains at $10K. Mike Frye will make contact with the lawyer and attempt to negotiate the outstanding balance.
 
- Mandrin - The membership was reminded that Mandrin does not pay the MBCA until after they settle on a property. Mandrin has, to date, paid within 2-3 weeks after their settlements (which is acceptable). The MBCA currently has no open issues with Mandrin.
 
-        Bylaws Compliance - The mailing of the General Fund Budget and the Schedule of Meetings remains delinquent. Due to the timeframe, a combined mailing with the Tax Benefit Fund Budget may be in order, with both budgets to be voted upon at the same meeting.
 
New Business -
- Clubhouse - Suzy Jones reported on the Clubhouse improvements. The building has been painted, roof leaks repaired, new ceiling tiles installed, rest rooms done, and the floor polished. All of these activities have been done by volunteer labor donated by "Manhattan West", local musicians. Please look for and attend their performances.
 
- Fence at 702 Cypress Road - Bob Ferrier reported that the new fence constructed on the road side of 702 Cypress Rd. is not only an eyesore but is not in line with the other fences on the street. He has contacted the county and was told that they could not help. Rob Murray attested to the nature of the fence. Most likely this is a sloppy installation job by Long Fence.
 
- Crime - The Severna Park Area Council has sent a message for residents to be aware of the increased crime in the area. Take precautions to secure your property and be aware of whom you invite into your community and your home (cheap services companies may have more profitable agendas, as an example).
 
- GSPA - The greater Severna Park Area Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month.
- Community Building Fund - Mike Frye commented that a Community Building Fund should be established to allocate future activity funds into an appropriate interest bearing account.
 
- Oyster Cages - Mike Frye reported that the oyster cages will be available from the DNR on 12-13 September. Mike will be looking for volunteers to install the cages. Mike also stated that he would like to request 1,500 cages nest year.
 
- Request For Assistance - Tom Centineo with a flood light on a neighboring home being aimed into his home. Rick Marsalek offered to assist, as MBCA President.
 
- Monster House Sold - Andy Andrews reported that the house at 768 Cypress finally sold. This is the large house adjacent to the strip of community property.
 
- New Community Notes Sign - Suzy Jones proposed a new sign for the community entrance to post community notes. Rick Marsalek noted that this should be coordinated with the American Legion.
 
Community Service -
- Suzy Jones advised that the Girl Scouts meet at the Clubhouse on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. The Girl Scouts are offering to provide help with community activities to get service hours.