We had two speakers give different views on the Connectivity Plan being considered by the City Commission to try to make the area from 14th St. and 41 to 41 and Osprey easier for pedestrians to access. Rod Warner, head of Connectivity Committee of City Alliance; a group of downtown merchants and residents; explained that the changes being considered will not make travel on 41 any slower for those who have to get through the city waterfront on their way to other destinations. The object is to have a smooth traffic flow and still allow pedestrians easy crossing. Gil Waters, a resident of GGP then spoke that he thinks 41 should be moved eastward to make the waterfront area a true part of our community. The subject will be discussed at City Commission meeting on Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Two Board seats are open for election. Carol Kopeck, having served two terms is stepping down but will continue as newsletter editor. Beverly Albertson who was appointed to fill vacancy by Lothar Sachse’s resignation is running for a term of her own. The Board has nominated Brent Parker to fill seat vacated by Carol Kopeck. As there were no nominations from the floor, Brent Parker and Beverley Albertson were elected by voice vote.

STREETSCAPE UPDATE-Denise handed out certificates for those who loaned us upfront money to begin the project. They went to: Grand Riviera, James Bridges, La Bellassara, Doris and Stan Goldman, Jameson Property Co., Pier 550, Collette and Gerald Eggleston, Paula and Mildred John and Alta Mer. Brent announced that he had to get the remaining signatures giving city easement rights to lay sidewalks and cable lines. The laying of a water line is almost finished and it is causing a worse mess than any work to come. Some of the sewer pipes will be replaced next and then they will start putting in the conduit for telephone, TV,

internet and electric cables under sidewalk area. That should start in late February and by March 15th the first bricks should be laid. At that time short pieces of the road will have to be shut down, so residents should check our internet site to discover when they will not be able to drive into their property. The last bricks should go down in July. After that the work will be landscaping; putting in lights, hydrants and benches, etc. Completion is set for October. Denise suggested that we start planning for a party to celebrate our completed project. A committee of Linda Hellmich, Lisa Sebastion, Betsy Hemming, Gil Waters, Charlotte Hedge, Pat Hooley and Carol Kopeck was named to plan an event. Betsy will set up the first committee meeting. It was suggested that the event be held in mid November when snow birds return.

PARK PROJECT. John Dent explained that we had filed an application with the city to have the property at 111 and 653 considered for a park. However, he feels that property does not meet the county’s criteria. They are looking for environmentally sensitive land, land on the water or land far from other parks and this property fits none of those criteria. We might have more luck by suggesting the property at 680 since that is on the water. A discussion ensued. Carol Kopeck moved that we table trying to apply for a park because the consensus seemed to be that residents did not want a park that would attract nonresidents which would happen at 680. The motion was seconded by Linda Hellmich Brink and passed by voice vote.

ALTA MER II -A presentation was made by Mike Adams, building architect and resident of Alta Mer I. The new building will be architecturally compatible with Alta Mer I and 9 stories over parking. It will have 9 condos (one on each floor) ranging from 4 to 6 thousand square feet. They expect to finish it in 2011.

There being no more business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Carol Kopeck, Secretary