Village Association November Meeting Minutes

POINT REYES STATION VILLAGE ASSOCIATION
MINUTES

Nov 8, 2018

6:34 Call to Order- Ken Levin
Moment of silence
Discussion to move Item 2 to beginning of meeting to accommodate young student

Minutes of Oct. 11 approved - Rhonda Kutter/Mark Switzer

Treasurers report - not done

2. REPORT ON WALK ABOUT TOWN WITH CAL TRANS- KEN LEVIN
Rhonda: Discussion about losing crossing guard this year & public meeting in January to gather input community about Safe Routes to School funding. Point Reyes has never benefitted from this grant. *SRTS on agenda for December.
Ken: Walked with officials from Cal Trans, TAM, and County, as an outgrowth of Senator Mike McGuire’s working group to address tourism issues looking at signage, crosswalks and problem areas, including the gas station, a dangerous area. Changes will be integrated with SRTS plan. 7% of Measure A funds will go to SRTS. Officials suggested it is not unusual for communities to adopt projects like the paths to West Marin. Officials discussed a pedestrian activation button that would change light from yellow to red. No changes will happen soon.
Citizen repairs like “Adopt a Highway” may be preferred once we know the easement info. We will be involved with county and state planners in the future.
Rhonda asked for people from PRSVA to join a committee to talk with CalTrans about planning in town with CalTrans.
Comment: The struggle is to keep the rural character.
Rhonda explained Green Bridge work today. CalTrans was doing core sampling. Despite lawsuit, they are moving forward with planning.

1. POST ELECTION DISCUSSION OF SHORT TERM RENTALS AND NEXT STEPS- MARK SWITZER

Mark: Measure W passed. We support affordable housing in West Marin and need to urge Dennis Rodoni and county to do more to regulate STRs.
County is making a list of STR owners and plans to increase regulatory actions. Santa Cruz is instituting a ordinance to limiting the number of STRs; residence and business owners need to recognize the need for visitor income; STR owners who do comply need to be acknowledged; this is an opportunity for coalition with residents and STR owners, county has not effectively enforced STR regulation in the past; need equitable, meaningful regulations. Other towns require permits. STR owners presently must register for TOT tax and business licenses.
Rhonda: TOT enforcement is starting. There will be a workshop on Nov. 14th for owners to show how to comply. County will send notices to several hundred owners. When that happened in San Francisco, lots of STRs (voluntarily) shut down. County goes back 3 years to impose fines and can put lien on property. (Further discussion re: definition of STR.

3. FORMATION OF PRSVA UMBRELLA GROUP UNDER 501 c3 GROUP- MARK/ KEN
Mark: Status – The association needs funding. County has funding for non-profits (Community Service Grants). Fiscal sponsorship through the West Marin Community Services scenario would allow for PRSVA to operate under their non-profit status. They would retain 10% of funds and do bookkeeping. PRSVA would need to file application, determine feasibility. Under the non-profit umbrella status of another organization, there are limits: cannot endorse candidates, can endorse propositions/issues. Non-profit status would help PRSVA do outreach, continue design review work, allow a funding stream. Relieve some time consuming secretarial responsibilities.
*Agenda item for December meeting. Discussion.

4. DISCUSS /EVALUATE STRUCTURE OF LEADERSHIP GROUP VS. OFFICERS AND ELECTION PROCESS WITH NOMINATIONS - MARK  SWITZER
Mark: Under bylaws, a nominating committee should present election slate at the December meeting to assume duties in January.
Comment: We can make a motion to continue to use the leadership circle construct vs electing officers. Discussion re history and need for outreach.
Motion: Mark, Rhonda, and Peggy will form nominating committee. Approved - Chuck/Roy
Comment: Laura Arndt is the contact person for the public for PRSVA.

UPDATES:
Roy Pitts, Design Review Committee: Brickmaiden has a permit in place to redesign showroom and parking places and allow retail sales.
Pam Bridges has 20 copies of the Point Reyes Community Plan for loaning to members.

Next meeting December 13 at 6:30
Adjourned at 7:52